Love your very funny and witty take on St. Augustine's Confessions! It's one of my favorite books but one I haven't read in a few years, and I absolutely loved this part of your post: "If Augustine were here today, he’d be that guy at a dinner party telling stories about his wild past, and you’d say, “Dude, you’ve lived.” And then he’d go, 'Yeah, but God was really the one living through me,' and you'd nod politely while reaching for another drink." Thanks for the great read!
I read his "Confessions" very many years ago and it struck home for me.
Augustine was a bad boy and his mama always stayed by his side in prayer, and she was used to bad boys because her husband wasn't any better than her son. Monica wasn't declared a saint because she thought she was a great mom but because she loved God, her kid and never lost faith or hope.
Augustine became my hero because I too went through the same kind of life as he did, including a whole bunch of partying, sketchy relationships, alcohol and whatnot, after being raised by a dad who wasn't the best example, and a mom who did her best to hold the family in her arms and prayers as well. I feel like he is my spiritual brother.
Augustine, because of the faith and prayers of his mama on his behalf, was hit over the head a few times (not sure, but thinking he needed some blows to his inner noggin more than once) until he finally recognized that he was on a path toward destruction and misery and that he wasn't going to escape God's love forever, so he might as well give God a listen.
And I'll bet he had his moments before and after writing "Confessions" when he thought he was on a strange and unfamiliar path and had no idea where it would lead him, but he stuck it out because he realized that God wasn't going to let him go.
He is a complex guy whose story resonates across centuries. Although his life mirrors Saint Paul's in many ways, it seems more modern and relatable than Paul's. You feel like you're there; he's more of an everyman. I think you're right. We see our own family in Monica.
Love your very funny and witty take on St. Augustine's Confessions! It's one of my favorite books but one I haven't read in a few years, and I absolutely loved this part of your post: "If Augustine were here today, he’d be that guy at a dinner party telling stories about his wild past, and you’d say, “Dude, you’ve lived.” And then he’d go, 'Yeah, but God was really the one living through me,' and you'd nod politely while reaching for another drink." Thanks for the great read!
Thank you. I also imagine him with kind of a gravelly voice, very world weary.
I read his "Confessions" very many years ago and it struck home for me.
Augustine was a bad boy and his mama always stayed by his side in prayer, and she was used to bad boys because her husband wasn't any better than her son. Monica wasn't declared a saint because she thought she was a great mom but because she loved God, her kid and never lost faith or hope.
Augustine became my hero because I too went through the same kind of life as he did, including a whole bunch of partying, sketchy relationships, alcohol and whatnot, after being raised by a dad who wasn't the best example, and a mom who did her best to hold the family in her arms and prayers as well. I feel like he is my spiritual brother.
Augustine, because of the faith and prayers of his mama on his behalf, was hit over the head a few times (not sure, but thinking he needed some blows to his inner noggin more than once) until he finally recognized that he was on a path toward destruction and misery and that he wasn't going to escape God's love forever, so he might as well give God a listen.
And I'll bet he had his moments before and after writing "Confessions" when he thought he was on a strange and unfamiliar path and had no idea where it would lead him, but he stuck it out because he realized that God wasn't going to let him go.
Jenni,
He is a complex guy whose story resonates across centuries. Although his life mirrors Saint Paul's in many ways, it seems more modern and relatable than Paul's. You feel like you're there; he's more of an everyman. I think you're right. We see our own family in Monica.
Great. I mean, Socrates was better,but still this piece rules. I love your writing, thank you.
Thank you Barbora.