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Reading Augustine: A Guide to the Confessions (Cascade Companions)

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This is a warm introduction for non-academics into one of the great classics of Western literature. Here are some great insights into the heart of the greatest mind of the Christian Church's first millenia. Thoughtful folks who are interested in the perplexities and contradictions of Christian theology will be amazed by this 4th Century theologian who was also perplexed by the very same issues that perplex us all. Dr. Byassee engages all these issues with a light and easily accessible tone. For example from Augustine's early encounters with a faith that is yet to become his own: "Augustine is glad to learn from Ambrose [bishop of Milan beginning in 374 C.E.] that the Catholic belief that humans are created in the 'image of God' does not mean that God is a body. Glad as he is that Catholicism is more intelligent than he thought, he is left in a pickle. For he cannot imagine what 'God' can be, because he cannot see how a thing can be non-physical and yet exist. He is also gradually coming to see that evil is not a 'thing,' but a certain sort of absence." Augustine's indebtedness to the Platonists is well explained and very helpful. This is just a fun and easy read alongside of the masterpiece itself.