Dating to the early 5th century AD, the Enchiridion of St. Augustine is a superb example of early Christian instruction and virtues, summating the pillars of the faith in a manner inspiring. Augustine of Hippo was among the first Roman Christians to develop and author a comprehensive spiritual philosophy. As bishop of Hippo Regius, his theological studies and writings provided an excellent foundation to religious scholarship; many of the books he authored served as an example to later authors. A great revival of interest in the early Church Fathers following the Reformation, and again in the 19th century, brought Augustine's works to renewed appreciation and prominence. Detailing how the Christian believer can better his faith with prayer and practice of the virtues set out by Jesus Christ in the Gospels, the book itself is composed in answer to a person named Laurentius. Apparently a Christian curious about his creed, Laurentius sought the advice and counsel of St. Augustine of Hippo.

Since the dawn of the fifth century, theology students, religious scholars, and Christian readers have turned to this volume for instruction. Written by one of the foremost leaders in the development of Christian thought, it offers practical as well as theoretical guidance on how to read the Bible and explain the meaning of scripture. Augustine intended his treatise for the priests in his North African diocese of Hippo, but ultimately, the saint's counsel laid the groundwork for modern hermeneutics and semiotics.
The first of "On Christian Doctrine"'s four parts begins with an overview of the subjects treated in holy scripture. Subsequent parts discuss signs and their recognition, the distinctions between literal and figurative expressions, and the scriptures' stylistic combination of eloquence and wisdom. Above all, Augustine's text concerns itself with the ways in which individuals can live in harmony with Jesus' teachings. Christians and non-Christians alike value this work for its role in historical theology, its influence on the development of Biblical interpretation, and its insights into the mind of a great Christian philosopher and ecclesiastic.

Dating to the early 5th century AD, the Enchiridion of St. Augustine is a superb example of early Christian instruction and virtues, summating the pillars of the faith in a manner inspiring. Augustine of Hippo was among the first Roman Christians to develop and author a comprehensive spiritual philosophy. As bishop of Hippo Regius, his theological studies and writings provided an excellent foundation to religious scholarship; many of the books he authored served as an example to later authors. A great revival of interest in the early Church Fathers following the Reformation, and again in the 19th century, brought Augustine's works to renewed appreciation and prominence. Detailing how the Christian believer can better his faith with prayer and practice of the virtues set out by Jesus Christ in the Gospels, the book itself is composed in answer to a person named Laurentius. Apparently a Christian curious about his creed, Laurentius sought the advice and counsel of St. Augustine of Hippo.

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