My man's a genius

A short book on the training of the catechumenate by Augustine (~70 pages). It's Augustine, so about as awesome as you think it would be.

An excellent and brief exposition of Augustinian theology by Augustine himself.

My biggest problem with the book was being able to accept the entire idea of the religion as St. Augustine sees it; I think his writing is interesting to see how he perceives ideas of good and bad and their relationship to God, what it means, his further explorations on sin.

As someone who does not share this religion, my interest in this book was spawned as a supplementary research material to understand this time period of Rome and its recent conversion to Christianity; for anyone interested, Saint Augustine is discussed in Prof. Paul Friedman's Yale open course, History 210: Early Middle Ages on Youtube -- the reason I picked up the Enchiridion in the first place. I think the context I'm coming from is helpful in understanding why I don't particularly like the work, but I've graded it as merely OK, because I recognize I'm probably too biased to weigh it effectively.

For instance, Saint Augustine clearly has a grasp of logistics and rational thinking, as he poses his ideas in a sensible way, but I'm not able to accept the religious component because I find it irrational.

I recognize too, that I am a product of my time in that I am a part of the populace that, having fundamentalist religions rammed down my throat since 9-11-2001 (whether they be fundamentalist right-wing religions or fundamentalist terrorists), is exhausted by fundamentalism, which is largely humorless and unable to question itself, much like the Enchiridion, and I ultimately find myself comparing it to unreasonable fundamentalism. Is it worth reading? Sure. Is Saint Augustine an interesting writer, philosopher, theologian? Sure. Does it help me understand the age he comes from? Sure.

I'm sure believers of the faith can find much to enjoy about this book and draw from; others who do not share the faith can still find useful insights here in regards to the time it emerged from.

Walking through a library on my way to the laundry, several volumes of the Fathers of the Church caught my eye, and among them I found St Augustine's handbook on Christian doctrine, which he wrote specifically for a certain Laurentius. The theme of this letter/handbook is "Faith, Hope and Charity." I wondered if Augustine was the first to develop a systematic teaching on this "theological virtues," and so I picked up the book. I used if in my daily meditation for a little over a month.

Now, I was surprised at how easily I could absorb Augustine's teaching, as his writing seemed clear to me. I remember trying to read Augustine the year after I had graduated from university and getting absolutely nowhere. Funny how 50 years and three advanced degrees can change one's comprehension skills. I say this because, while I found the book a delight, I suspect that most of my friends would find it just the opposite. Perhaps Augustine himself felt similarly, for in the final chapter he writes to Laurentius: "Judge for yourself whether you should call it a handbook or should use it as such. As for myself, thinking as I did that your zeal in Christ should not be esteemed lightly, and believing and hoping good things of you in the help of our Redeemer, and loving you deeply as one of His members, I have to the best of my ability written this book for you on faith, hope and charity. May its usefulness be equal to its length!" (p. 112)

I am sure that in the ancient world a volume of 166 pages would have been considered a long one. It is not long by our standards. What I find good about it is that the author approaches virtues for life in a steady, systematic way. He presents the Christian calling, sin, divine mercy, and virtues to overcome weakness and live in a way that would be ready to accept God's lead through all the ups and downs of life. It seems to me that some have called this book "Augustine's catechism", because he answers many questions about day-to-day Christian life. Ultimately, for Augustine, faith, hope and charity are the gifts of God that make acceptance of his calling both possible and rewarding.

Overall, I have enjoyed this small volume, and am grateful the Augustin took the time to explain discipleship in Christ so thoroughly and simply to his friend Laurentius (and to us).

The actual edition that I read was part of the series: "Ancient Christian Writers: The Works of the Fathers in Translation", edited by Johannes Quasten STD and Joseph C. Plumpe, PhD, of the Catholic University of America Washington DC. published by Newman Press (New York/Ramsey NJ) in 1947. It was reprinted by the same publisher in a new edition of the series in 1978. This book was the third volume of the series, known from antiquity as the Enchiridion de Fide Spe et Caritate. The translator: Louis A. Arand, SS., STD, president of Divinity College, Catholic University of America.

This provides a concise summary of Christian theology: God is to be served by man in faith, hope, and charity. The majority of Augustine’s work is faithful to Scripture in its understanding of the purpose, nature and content of theology. Unsurprisingly, Augustine is a product of his time, as revealed by his understanding of justification through penance. Nevertheless, readers are helped to consider how doctrine pushes us to worship God through love (charity); being transformed by the grace of our unchangeably good Creator. In addition, the cosmic significance of Christ’s work is unveiled through often neglected angelology.

Second time through this. Augustine bleeds Scripture, especially Paul, and this introduction to the faith is great for those interested in his broader theological views.

Good and useful.

Great little book

The title says, “Faith, Hope, and Love,” but 90% is on faith. This handbook was quite typical of Augustine. He uses the philosophy of the day to interpret scripture, though he does it well. All in all, a helpful little book.

Wonderful book that sheds a light into Christian thought.

Augustine is perhaps one of the most influential Christian writers outside the Bible... and this is for better and for worse. Inside this book you will find a godly man who is profoundly impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He sheds much light into early Christian thought on things such as free will vs God’s choice, as well as the humanity and deity of Jesus. Yet he also has some error that I, as a Protestant Christian, would state as incorrect, such things include: purgatory, penance, and a heightened view of Mary. Nevertheless, it is a profound book enjoyed by all sorts of Christians around the world. Defiantly a great read for Church History enthusiasts!

Some solid gems in this, a classic primer from Augustine himself on his mature thought. The Enchiridion lays out Augustine's view on original sin, the fall of man (massa damnata), predestination, the resurrection and more. I have definitely stored most all this information in the back of my head.

Interesting highlights is that even in his maturity and old age, the creationisn / traducianism debate still perplexed him, and he wavered. His understanding of the causes of predestination to life and damnation seem to be God's free mercy (life), God's justice as proximate cause vis-à-vis the sinfulness of man for those unto death (damnation). From what I have read in historical dogma, he does not probe this further, as we would have to wait until Calvin to explore the "hidden inscrutable decrees."

Amazing stuff.