A Sure Guide to St. Augustine’s Thought and Theology

A Sure Guide to St. Augustine’s Thought and Theology | Jared Ortiz | Catholic World Report



A review of Matthew Levering’s new book, The Theology of Augustine: An Introductory Guide to His Most Important Works

It is often said that Augustine
is the most “modern” of all the Church Fathers. 
Whatever one means by “modern,” it is certainly true that Augustine
still speaks to us today, even though he is separated from us by 16
centuries.  When, for example, Augustine
speaks about our restless hearts or when he relates how he prayed to receive
chastity and continence, “but not yet,” we know that this is a man of deep
feeling who has “been there,” and we know we can trust him. Augustine the
sinner, the searcher, the convert who doesn’t settle for easy answers—this is a
man who speaks to our experience. 

Lover of beauty

Perhaps Augustine resonates so
much with us today because he was a profound lover: he loved women, he loved
his friends, he loved wisdom, and, finally, he channeled this love toward
God.  The mature Augustine prays,

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