St. Augustine of Hippo
St. Augustine of Hippo
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis was born to Patricius and Monnica, a devout Christian mother, in Thagaste, Numidia (modern-day Souk Ahras, Algeria). He is commonly known as St. Augustine of Hippo.
Birth and Death Dates
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Augustine was born on November 13, 354 AD, and died on August 28, 430 AD.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis was a Roman citizen, and his profession varied throughout his life. He was a:
Pagan Philosopher: As a young man, Augustine studied rhetoric in Carthage and later philosophy in Rome.
Christian Theologian and Writer: After converting to Christianity, he became a bishop and renowned writer.
Early Life and Background
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Augustine's early life was marked by spiritual turmoil. His mother, Monnica, played a significant role in shaping his faith. She prayed fervently for his conversion, which eventually occurred at the age of 32 after reading St. Paul's Epistles.
As a young man, Augustine led a dissolute life, indulging in lust and living with a concubine. He fathered a son, Adeodatus, but later abandoned him. This period of his life was marked by spiritual confusion and inner conflict.
Major Accomplishments
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Augustine's conversion to Christianity had far-reaching consequences:
Theological Contributions: His writings significantly influenced the development of Christian theology, particularly in the areas of original sin and the nature of God.
Bishop of Hippo: Augustine served as bishop of Hippo Regius (modern-day Annaba, Algeria) from 396 AD until his death. He played a crucial role in combating heresies within the Church.
Notable Works or Actions
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Augustine's literary output is vast and diverse:
Confessions: A deeply personal and introspective autobiography that explores his spiritual journey.
The City of God: A monumental work defending Christianity against pagan criticism.
On Christian Doctrine: A treatise on biblical interpretation.
Impact and Legacy
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St. Augustine's influence extends far beyond the early Christian Church:
Patristic Era: His writings helped shape the theological landscape of the Patristic era, influencing thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas.
Reformation and Enlightenment: His ideas about original sin and predestination contributed to the debates of the Reformation and Enlightenment periods.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Augustine's legacy endures due to his:
Unwavering Commitment: To his faith, despite facing internal conflict and external criticism.
Intellectual Rigor: His writings demonstrate a relentless pursuit of theological truth.
Timeless Relevance: His ideas continue to inform contemporary debates in fields such as theology, philosophy, and ethics.
In conclusion, St. Augustine's life was marked by transformation, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment to his faith. His enduring impact on Western thought has earned him a revered place within the pantheon of Christian saints and thinkers.
Quotes by St. Augustine of Hippo
Your best servant is the person who does not attend so much to hearing what he himself wants as to willing what he has heard from you.
I heard Your voice from on high. "I am the food of the fully grown. Grow and you will feed on me. And you will not change Me into you, like the food of flesh eats. But you will be changed into Me.
Every day my conscience makes confession relying on the hope of Your mercy as more to be trusted than its own innocence.
You never go away from us, yet we have difficulty in returning to You. Come, Lord, stir us up and call us back. Kindle and seize us. Be our fire and our sweetness. Let us love. Let us run.
Late have I loved you, O beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you!
He cannot have God for his Father who will not have the Church for his mother.
He was not utterly unskilled in handling his own lack of training, and he refused to be rashly drawn into a controversy about those matters from which there would be no exit nor easy way of retreat. This was an additional ground for my pleasure. For the controlled modesty of a mind that admits limitations is more beautiful than the things I was anxious to know about.