Confessions

Confessions

• Genre: Nonfiction; autobiography; theology; philosophy
• Originally Written: Circa 397-400 AD
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1270L; college/adult
• Structure/Length: The work is traditionally divided into 13 books; approximately 290 pages; approximately 13 hours and 58 minutes on audio
• Central Concern: Confessions is an autobiographical work by Saint Augustine, the influential early Christian theologian and philosopher. It details his wayward youth and subsequent conversion to Christianity, offering a profound exploration of sin, faith, and grace. Augustine reflects on various personal and philosophical issues, such as the nature of time and memory, the existence of God, and the human struggle for truth and meaning. The book is a foundational text in Christian theology and Western philosophy, notable for its introspective approach and Augustine’s candid discussion of his own failings and conversion experience.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Discussions of religious and philosophical themes; personal struggles with sin and morality; Augustine’s views might be specific to his Christian beliefs and might not align with all philosophical or religious perspectives

Saint Augustine, Author

• Bio: Born 354; died 430; also known as Augustine of Hippo; one of the most important figures in the development of Western Christianity and philosophy; significantly influenced the development of Western thought and Christian theology
• Other Works: The City of God; On Christian Doctrine; On the Trinity; numerous sermons and letters

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Confessions as a Fundamental Act of Faith
• Sin and Redemption
• The Role of Human Relations for the Devout

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the sociohistorical and religious contexts of the text.
• Discuss paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Confessions as a Fundamental Act of Faith, Sin and Redemption, and The Role of Human Relations for the Devout.
• Think creatively about Augustine’s work by writing your own literary “confessions.”
• Evaluate Augustine’s book in structured essay responses on the literary style of the Confessions, Augustine’s philosophical influences, and other topics.