The seven works of Augustine that are contained in this volume all deal with the problem of faith in God. They were written over the course of three decades, beginning with True Religion (390) and extending to the Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Charity (c. 421). Hence this selection of writings provides an impressive insight into the intellectual and spiritual development of one of the greatest of all Western minds, as it grappled with a question that has never ceased to preoccupy and stimulate Western thought: Is it reasonable to believe in God, and what form might such belief take? Each of these seven works is a new translation into contemporary English, and each is introduced by the German Augustinian scholar Michael Fiedrowicz, who has also written a valuable general introduction.

Second volume of the long-awaited translation of one of Augustines classics and a great work in Christian literature. Newly translated by Maria Boulding, O.S.B., whose masterful translation of Augustines Confessions in the same series has been praised as being of a different level of excellence from practically anything else in the market (Bishop Rowan Williams, Monmouth, England). As the psalms are a microcosm of the Old Testament, so the Expositions of the Psalms can be seen as a microcosm of Augustinian thought. They recapitulate and focus the experiences of Augustines personal life, his theological reflections, and his pastoral concerns as Bishop of Hippo.

Third volume of the long-awaited translation of one of Augustines classics and a great work in Christian literature. Newly translated by Maria Boulding, O.S.B., whose masterful translation of Augustines Confessions in the same series has been praised as being of a different level of excellence from practically anything else in the market (Bishop Rowan Williams, Monmouth, England). As the psalms are a microcosm of the Old Testament, so the Expositions of the Psalms can be seen as a microcosm of Augustinian thought. They recapitulate and focus the experiences of Augustines personal life, his theological reflections, and his pastoral concerns as Bishop of Hippo.

Augustine knows by faith that God is a trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and he is seeking as far as possible to understand what he believes. In the first seven books Augustine begins by searching the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments for clues to understanding, and then argues in the language of philosophy and logic to defend the orthodox statement of the doctrine against the Arians. In the last eight books Augustine seeks to understand the mystery of the divine Trinity by observing an analogous trinity in the image of God, which is the human mind; and in so doing he also suggests a programme for the serious Christian of spiritual self-discovery and renewal. The Second Edition now features convenient footnotes rather than the previously used endnotes.

Few ancient Christian authors attempted anything like a complete commentary on the "Gospel of John", among them Origen, John Chrysostom and Augustine. Of these, Augustine's must count as the greatest. Unlike Origen's, it has come down to us in its entirety, and of the others that remain it is certainly the most theologically profound. John's gospel allows Augustine to range broadly over themes that were his life's work - the Trinity, the person of Christ, the nature of the Church and its sacraments, the fulfillment of the divine plan. The 124 homilies that constitute Augustine's commentary, however, are masterpieces not only of theological profundity but also of pastoral engagement. In the question-and-answer style that he frequently employs, for example, one can sense Augustine's real awareness of his congregation's struggles with the gospel text. And the congregation's response to Augustine, which he frequently alludes to, is an indication of the success of his dialogical preaching style. The Johannine literature drew out the best in Augustine." The Homilies on the "Gospel of John" are the indispensible complement to "The Homilies on "The First Epistle of John", recently published in this series, and they should be a part of any serious theological library.

Of the different controversies that preoccupied Augustine during his lifetime, Pelagianism was indisputably the most important for the subsequent history and theology of the western Church. It touched on any number of issues central to Christianity, most notably grace, predestination, original sin and baptism, all of which in turn could be reduced to the fundamental question of the exact nature of the relationship between God and his human creation. The six major treatises presented in this volume amply illustrate Augustine's struggle with the theological problems that Pelagianism raised. They begin with the Miscellany of Questions in Response to Simplician. Although written in 396, before Pelagianism even appeared on the scene, this work shows in a few pages the remarkable evolution of Augustine's thought on the matter of grace and the position at which he arrived and to which he clung for the rest of his life. The two final treatises, The Predestination of the Saints and The Gift of Perseverance, written in 428/429 shortly before Augustine's death, indicate where the position that he had elaborated more than thirty years before was fatefully destined to take him. The three middle treatises show Augustine in the process of refining - but not altering - his thinking in the face of what he rightly saw as Pelagianism's terrible threat to orthodox Christianity's central tenets.

Although Augustine's "Confessions" has been translated many times, it is not exaggeration to say that Sister Maria Boulding's translation is "of a different level of excellence from practically anything else on the market" (Rowan Williams, Bishop of Monmonth).

This is the first volume of the long-awaited translation of one of Augustines classics and a great work in Christian literature. Newly translated by Maria Boulding, O.S.B., whose masterful translation of Augustines Confessions in the same series has been praised as being of a different level of excellence from practically anything else in the market (Bishop Rowan Williams, Monmouth, England). As the psalms are a microcosm of the Old Testament, so the Expositions of the Psalms can be seen as a microcosm of Augustinian thought. They recapitulate and focus the experiences of Augustines personal life, his theological reflections, and his pastoral concerns as Bishop of Hippo. This first volume of the Exposition of the Psalms in Sister Maria Boulding's fine translation fills a long existing vacuum among the translated works of Augustine available to contemporary readers. Her clear and attractive translation presents Augustine's expression of his own spirituality, which necessarily entails his most valuable theological insights. The comprehensive and scholarly 51-page introduction by Michael Fiedrowicz offers a key to the Psalms' various depths of meaning and shows how they are a microcosm of Augustinian thought. Mary T. Clark, RSCJ Author of: Augustine in the Outstanding Christian Thinkers Series

No other part of the Hebrew Scriptures, aside from the Psalter and sections of the prophet Isaiah, captured the interest and aroused the attention of the early Church as did the opening chapters of the Book of Genesis. Augustine of Hippo, the early Latin Church's profoundest scholar, devoted three treatises to these chapters. The first two -- On Genesis: A Refutation of the Manichees and his Unfinished Literal Commentary on Genesis -- are early works. The third and longest -- The Literal Meaning of Genesis -- was produced at the height of Augustine's maturity and has been ranked with his Confessions, The Trinity, and The City of God. The range, depth and genius of Augustine's thought, which begin to appear in the two earlier writings, are on full display in the third. This volume brings these three works together for the first time in English and provides a valuable and comprehensive introduction to each one.

Final volume of the long-awaited translation of one of Augustines classics and a great work in Christian literature. Newly translated by Maria Boulding, O.S.B., whose masterful translation of Augustines Confessions in the same series has been praised as being of a different level of excellence from practically anything else in the market (Bishop Rowan Williams, Monmouth, England). As the psalms are a microcosm of the Old Testament, so the Expositions of the Psalms can be seen as a microcosm of Augustinian thought. They recapitulate and focus the experiences of Augustines personal life, his theological reflections, and his pastoral concerns as Bishop of Hippo.

In this classic, Augustine of Hippo describes how to interpret and teach the Scriptures. Although written 1600 years ago, it considers the role literal and allegorical interpreation of scripture, and is particularly relevant today. A valuable, and readable resource for preachers and teachers.

"The human mind can understand truth only by thinking, as is clear from Augustine."
--Saint Thomas Aquinas
Saint Augustine of Hippo is one of the central figures in the history of Christianity, and this book is one of his greatest theological works. Written as an eloquent defense of the faith at a time when the Roman Empire was on the brink of collapse, it examines the ancient pagan religions of Rome, the arguments of the Greek philosophers and the revelations of the Bible. Pointing the way forward to a citizenship that transcends worldly politics and will last for eternity, this book is one of the most influential documents in the development of Christianity.
One of the great cornerstones in the history of Christian thought, "The City of God "is vital to an understanding of modern Western society and how it came into being. Begun in A.D. 413, the book's initial purpose was to refute the charge that Christianity was to blame for the fall of Rome (which had occurred just three years earlier). Indeed, Augustine produced a wealth of evidence to prove that paganism bore within itself the seeds of its own destruction. However, over the next thirteen years that it took to complete the work, the brilliant ecclesiastic proceeded to his larger theme: a cosmic interpretation of history in terms of the struggle between good and evil. By means of his contrast of the earthly and heavenly cities--the one pagan, self-centered, and contemptuous of God and the other devout, God-centered, and in search of grace--Augustine explored and interpreted human history in relation to eternity.

Along with his Confessions, The City of God is undoubtedly St. Augustine's most influential work. In the context of what begins as a lengthy critique of classic Roman religion and a defence of Christianity, Augustine touches upon numerous topics, including the role of grace, the original state of humanity, the possibility of waging a just war, the ideal form of government, and the nature of heaven and hell. But his major concern is the difference between the City of God and the City of Man - one built on love of God, the other on love of self. One cannot but be moved and impressed by the author's breadth of interest and penetrating intelligence. For all those who are interested in the greatest classics of Christian antiquity, The City of God is indispensible. This long-awaited translation by William Babcock is published in two volumes, with an introduction and annotation that make Augustine's monumental work approachable. For all those who are interested in the greatest classics of Christian antiquity, The City of God is indispensible. Books 1 - 10 contain Augustine's critique of the Roman religious, political, and intellectual tradition and prepare the way for the great vision of the two cities that he sets out in Books 11-22.

"The first autobiography ever written, and one of the most profound testaments of faith, ever." "This book is the masterpiece from which all other Christian memoirs flow. Augustine's astonishing story remains as fresh as it did when he wrote it in the late fourth century. "The Confessions" still speaks with a clear, vivid and altogether distinctive voice to believers and seekers searching for the One who will give rest to their restless hearts." --James Martin, SJ, author of "My Life with the Saints"

Volume 7 of a 14 volume set. Augustin was an indefatigable preacher. He considered regular preaching an indispensable part of the duty of a bishop. To his homilies we owe most of his exegetical labors. The homilies were delivered extempore. They retain their colloquial form and devotional tone. He felt it imperative to be understood by the common man. This volume completes St. Augustin's exegetical writings on the New Testament. Contents: Homilies on the Gospel of John; Homilies on the First Epistle of John; Soliloquies.

Volume 5 of a 14 volume set. This volume contains all the Anti-Pelagian writings of Augustin with the exception of Against Julian, and The Unfinished Work. Partial Contents: The merits and remission of sins, On the Spirit and the Letter; On the Nature of Grace, On Man's Perfection in Righteousness, The proceedings of Pelagius, On the Grace of Christ and Original sin, On Marriage and Concupiscence, On the soul and its Origin, Against two letters of the Pelagians, On Grace and Free Will, On Rebuke and Grace, Predestination of the Saints, The Gift of Perseverance.

Fifth volume of the long-awaited translation of one of Augustines classics and a great work in Christian literature. Newly translated by Maria Boulding, O.S.B., whose masterful translation of Augustines Confessions in the same series has been praised as being of a different level of excellence from practically anything else in the market (Bishop Rowan Williams, Monmouth, England). As the psalms are a microcosm of the Old Testament, so the Expositions of the Psalms can be seen as a microcosm of Augustinian thought. They recapitulate and focus the experiences of Augustines personal life, his theological reflections, and his pastoral concerns as Bishop of Hippo.

Fourth volume of the long-awaited translation of one of Augustines classics and a great work in Christian literature. Newly translated by Maria Boulding, O.S.B., whose masterful translation of Augustines Confessions in the same series has been praised as being of a different level of excellence from practically anything else in the market (Bishop Rowan Williams, Monmouth, England). As the psalms are a microcosm of the Old Testament, so the Expositions of the Psalms can be seen as a microcosm of Augustinian thought. They recapitulate and focus the experiences of Augustines personal life, his theological reflections, and his pastoral concerns as Bishop of Hippo.

The book presents human history as being a conflict between what Augustine calls the City of Man and the City of God, a conflict that is destined to end in victory of the latter. The City of God is marked by people who forgot earthly pleasure to dedicate themselves to the eternal truths of God, now revealed fully in the Christian faith. The City of Man, on the other hand, consists of people who have immersed themselves in the cares and pleasures of the present, passing world. Though The City of God follows Christian theology, the main idea of a conflict between good and evil follows from Augustine's former beliefs in Manichaeanism. A philosophy based on the idea of primordial conflict between light and darkness or goodness and evil. In the case of City of God, it is the City of God (representing light) and the City of Man (representing darkness). Though his book follows an ideology of Manichaeanism, he still distances himself from them by calling them heretics: ..". I say, so just and fit, which, when piously and carefully weighed, terminates all the controversies of those who inquire into the origin of the world, has not been recognized by some heretics ..." Later, when Augustine converted to Christianity he at one point accepted Neo-Platonism. He ends up adding an idea of Neo-Platonism with a Christian idea in The City of God when he says: "As for those who own, indeed, that it was made by God, and yet ascribe to it not a temporal but only a creational beginning ..."

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Volume 3 of a 14 volume set. These volumes will furnish ministers and laymen who have no access to the original texts a complete apparatus for the study of ancient Christianity. These Fathers to this day are the chief authorities for the doctrines and usages of the Greek and Roman Churches. This volume contains the most important doctrinal and moral treatises of St. Augustin, and presents a complete view of his dogmatics and ethics. Partial Contents: The Enchiridian, On the Cathechising of the Uninstructed, On Faith and the Creed, Concerning Faith of Things not Seen, On the Profit of Believing, A Sermon to Catechumens, Moral Treatises: Continence, On the Good of Marriage, Of Holy Virginity, Widowhood, Lying, The Work of Monks, Patience, Care to be Had for the Dead.

Volume 6 of a 14 volume set. The exegetical and homiletical writings of St. Augustin on the Gospels are contained within. The exegetical writings are commentaries on Genesis, the Psalms, the Gospel and First Epistle of John, the Sermon on the Mount, the Epistles to the Romans and Galations, and a Harmony of the Gospels. Partial Contents: St. Augustin as an Exegete; Our Lord's Sermon on the Mount; Harmony of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament.

Volume 1 of a 14 volume set. These volumes will furnish ministers and laymen who have no access to the original texts a complete apparatus for the study of ancient Christianity. These Fathers to this day are the chief authorities for the doctrines and usages of the Greek and Roman Churches. Partial Contents: St. Augustin's Life and work, Literature, Sketch of the Life of St. Augustin, Estimate and writings, the Influence of St. Augustin upon posterity and his relation to Catholicism and Protestantism, Confessions of St. Augustin, Letters of St. Augustin.

Volume 2 of a 14 volume set. The "City of God" is a masterpiece of the greatest genius among the Latin Fathers that embodies the results of thirteen years of intellectual labor and study. It is a vindication of Christianity against the attacks of the heathen in view of the sacking of the city of Rome by the barbarians. It is the first attempt at a philosophy of history, under the aspect of two rival cities or communities; the eternal city of God and the perishing city of the world. This is the best known and most read work of St. Augustin's next to his Confessions.

Volume 8 of a 14 volume set. This volume is a noble introduction to patristic studies. Partial Contents: The Old African Psalter, The Septuagint, St. Jerome, The Freedom of the the Early Church from the Corruption's of Medievalism, The Pentecostal Unity of Christendom, The Catholic and Apostolic System as Defined in the Constitutions of Nicea and Constantinople, The Autonomy of National Churches, The Independence of the African Church, The Dogmatic Primacy of the Patriarchate of Carthage in Latin Christendom as the Mother of Theology.