Saint Augustine of Hippo is remembered as one of the greatest theologians in Christian history and is credited as being one of the architects of the early Church. Often lost in the details and debate of his writing is the actual story of Augustine's life. Born to a Pagan father and spending his early years in sin -- according to his own admission -- his experiences eventually led to his conversion to Christianity. His intellect and character color his writings; his life was undoubtedly an asset in making many of the theological arguments and speculations for which he is famous.
Birth and Family Circumstances of Augustine
Augustine was born on November 13, 354 to a Pagan father, Patricius, and a Christian mother, Monica, later Saint Monica. Despite the fact that he was not baptized, he received a Christian education as a catechumen. He was born in Tagaste, North Africa -- modern-day Algeria -- a free city which had recently converted to Christianity. Patricius, prior to his death, made clear his desire that Augustine use his intellect and go to Carthage to study and learn in preparation for a great career.
Augustine did not follow his mother's example of Christian faith and virtue during his youth, perhaps in part due to his father's example of marital infidelities and Pagan faith. Augustine himself admitted to a concubine, and a son via her. He later referred to his son as "the son of his sin."
While in Carthage, in 373, Augustine became enamored with philosophy. Shortly after, he joined the Manichaean religion, which taught that their were two gods -- one good and one bad. Augustine spent the next years, until 387, immersed in this doctrine and teaching as a professor. He became a great writer, though not a writer of Christian theology, during this period his life.
Religious Calling of Augustine
Augustine himself is the source of the story telling of his conversion to Christianity. According to Augustine, he was in a garden and his doubts vanished and he felt an "utter confidence" about the Christian faith.
His mother was naturally thrilled at her son's conversion. Augustine and his son were both baptized on Easter in 387. A few months later his mother Monica died, an event about which Augustine writes at length and with great emotion in Confessions.
Augustine Becomes Bishop and a Great Theologian
After his mother's death, Augustine returned to his birthplace in North Africa. Following the example of many early Christians, he sold most of his possessions. He used the estate to develop an "unofficial" monastery, where he and his friends lived in poverty while praying and studying.
According to legend, out of fear of being elected, Augustine often fled from towns and cities in which an election for priesthood was going to take place. In 391, against his wishes, he was ordained as a priest in Hippo. The bishop, Valerius, gave Augustine property in Tagaste; there, Augustine started a monastery.
Custom at the time in North Africa meant that preaching was reserved for the bishops. Bishop Valerius overturned tradition and had Augustine preaching from the very beginning. Augustine continued with leading the monastery and with his writings. When his health began to fail, Bishop Valerius indicated his desire that Augustine take over as Bishop when he died. In accordance with his wishes and the approval of the Church, Augustine became the Bishop of Hippo in 396; he held the position for the next thirty-four years.
Death and Sainthood of Saint Augustine
Controversy was rampant in the Church during this time, with questions of doctrine, practices, and scripture dividing persons, churches, and regions. Heresies, Pagan religions, and other issues were dividing both the Church and countries of the time.
Augustine was a prolific writer and preacher for the rest of his life, dealing with many of these issues. Later in his life, Augustine gathered together the bulk of his writings and organized them. He was shocked to discover that this collected works were about the size of an encyclopedia. Augustine died on August 28, 430. He is the patron saint of Augustinians -- several different religious orders based on the teachings and example of Augustine -- brewers, printers, theologians, and Carthage.
One of the Four Great Latin Doctors of the Western Church
The writings and various beliefs of Saint Augustine fill several books. The various controversies Augustine became embroiled in are chronicled not only in the history of the Church but in civil histories. No one book, let alone article, can sum up Augustine's life. But the experiences he went through and various events in his life had a great effect upon his writings and teachings. Perhaps Saint Augustine's title as one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Western Church sums up what Augustine's life was dedicated to and about.
Sources:
Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. (2001). The Encyclopedia of Saints. Visionary Living, Inc. Checkmark Books, New York, NY.
Original Catholic Encyclopedia, Specific Author Not Specified. (2007). Augustine of Hippo, Saint. The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1914. Catholic Answers (2007), San Diego, CA. Link to article.
Paul, Tessa. (2009). The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Saints. Lorenz Books, Anness Publishing Ltd. London, UK.
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