I had the most difficult time staying awake while driving to class this morning. This was on account of reading the assigned excerpts from Augustine's Confessions out of our anthology until 2:30am. No worries --I finished my homework and managed stay awake (and alive) for the round trip. At any rate, the class discussion was rather thin for what is, in my opinion, the most interesting pieces of classic literature that we've covered in my World Lit class thus far.
Confessions is an autobiographical work that is focused on Augustine's conversion from a life of agnosticism to a faith in Jesus Christ. Though I cannot verify whether or not Augustine received God's plan of salvation, as made clear by the Word of God, (for there are many "Christian" sects with different ideologies), I can say that his testimony was truly a powerful one. As I read through the pages of my anthology, my interest was piqued by -- but not limited to-- thoughtful analogies and stylistic brilliance. I was beckoned by Augustine's honesty and disclosure of rather interesting detail, insomuch that I desire to read the complete work.
Confessions is an autobiographical work that is focused on Augustine's conversion from a life of agnosticism to a faith in Jesus Christ. Though I cannot verify whether or not Augustine received God's plan of salvation, as made clear by the Word of God, (for there are many "Christian" sects with different ideologies), I can say that his testimony was truly a powerful one. As I read through the pages of my anthology, my interest was piqued by -- but not limited to-- thoughtful analogies and stylistic brilliance. I was beckoned by Augustine's honesty and disclosure of rather interesting detail, insomuch that I desire to read the complete work.
But apparently the class did not share the same experience, as I was virtually the only one, besides the professor, contributing to the class discussion. However, one girl's comment did strike a chord within me that I'd like to share with you. At the pinnacle of his success (a rich and educated Lawyer who was esteemed by the elite class), Augustine gave it all up to pursue Jesus. The girl in World Lit. was confounded. She could not fathom why Augustine would do such a thing. The sore displeasure of Augustine's empty heart, though he had everything save joy, was like a unfathomable concept to her. I immediately started thanking God for revealing the Love of Jesus Christ to me.
"At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children" (Matthew 11:25).
"At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children" (Matthew 11:25).
You see, Augustine confesses that he was rather disappointed by the simplicity of the Gospel; before his faith in Christ, he confessed that the Scriptures "seemed to [be] unworthy to be compared with the Majesty of Cicero", one ancient philosopher. However, when God began to reveal it to him, he fell in love with the Bible and its depth.
Augustine considered himself a fool before realizing the truth of Jesus Christ. If a man as high-minded, educated and esteemed as Augustine could humble himself and follow Christ, why can't we?
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." -- Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:25)
God Bless,
--Tre Michael
Augustine considered himself a fool before realizing the truth of Jesus Christ. If a man as high-minded, educated and esteemed as Augustine could humble himself and follow Christ, why can't we?
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." -- Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:25)
God Bless,
--Tre Michael