Augustine of Hippo

Augustine of Hippo was an early Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings influenced the development of Western Christianity and Western philosophy. He is best known for his works 'Confessions' and 'The City of God'.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Homilies On The First Epistle Of John

    This collection of homilies offers a profound exploration of the themes of love, faith, and truth as presented in the biblical text. Through a series of sermons, the author delves into the spiritual and moral teachings of the epistle, emphasizing the transformative power of divine love and the importance of living in accordance with God's commandments. The work encourages believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God and to embody the principles of Christian fellowship, highlighting the significance of unity and mutual care within the community of faith.

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  2. 2. Soliloquies

    In this introspective dialogue, the protagonist engages in a profound conversation with his own Reason, exploring the nature of the soul, the pursuit of truth, and the quest for divine wisdom. Through a series of reflective soliloquies, he grapples with existential questions, seeking to reconcile his faith with his intellectual inquiries. The narrative unfolds as a journey of self-discovery, where the protagonist's inner turmoil and philosophical musings reveal a deep yearning for spiritual enlightenment and understanding of the divine essence.

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  3. 3. On Free Choice Of The Will

    This philosophical dialogue explores the complex relationship between divine foreknowledge and human free will, delving into the nature of evil and the moral responsibilities of individuals. Through a series of discussions, it examines how humans can possess free will while living under the omniscient gaze of a divine being, ultimately arguing that evil arises not from divine creation but from the misuse of human freedom. The text seeks to reconcile the existence of free will with the belief in an all-knowing, benevolent deity, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability and the pursuit of virtue.

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  4. 4. On Christian Doctrine

    This influential theological work serves as a guide for interpreting and teaching Christian scripture, emphasizing the importance of love as the ultimate goal of all biblical understanding. It outlines a framework for distinguishing between things to be used and things to be enjoyed, advocating for a life oriented towards God as the supreme object of enjoyment. The text also provides practical advice on rhetoric and communication, encouraging clarity and eloquence in conveying religious truths. Through its exploration of signs, symbols, and the role of divine illumination, it seeks to equip believers with the tools necessary for a deeper comprehension of their faith.

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  5. 5. The Augustine Catechism

    The Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Charity

    A concise guide to Christian doctrine that organizes belief and practice around the themes of faith, hope, and love, using the Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer as its framework. It explains creation, sin, redemption, grace, and the moral life, instructing readers in prayer and the sacraments while defending the goodness of God against the reality of evil. Designed for catechetical instruction, it offers a clear, pastoral summary of what Christians are to believe, desire, and do.

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  6. 6. City Of God 1, Books 1 3

    Written in response to accusations that Christianity caused Rome’s sack, the first three books defend Christians by arguing that Rome had suffered similar disasters long before Christian influence and that blaming the faith is unjust. They critique pagan religion and myth, exposing the gods as morally suspect, ineffective, and unworthy of trust. The author also begins to sketch a larger theological framework contrasting the earthly city’s pursuit of self-interest with the heavenly city’s devotion to God, laying groundwork for a broader defense of divine providence and Christian history.

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  7. 7. On Christian Teaching

    A foundational manual for Christians on how to read, interpret, and teach Scripture, arguing that the ultimate goal of Christian instruction is to lead hearers toward love of God and neighbor while also making truth engaging; rhetoric and secular learning are useful tools but must be subordinated to charity and sound doctrine. It lays out a theory of signs and meanings, distinguishes literal from figurative senses, offers practical rules for resolving difficult passages, and emphasizes the interpreter’s moral character and intentions. The work stresses humility, the primacy of the analogy of faith when judging interpretations, and the proper use of language and examples to instruct and edify the faithful.

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  8. 8. Tunnustukset

    A reflective spiritual autobiography that traces the author’s journey from a life of worldly ambition, moral failures, and adherence to competing philosophies to a transformative conversion to orthodox Christianity; it blends intimate memories—family, friendships, temptations—with sustained philosophical and theological reflection on sin, grace, memory, time, and the nature of God, ending in a prayerful meditation on the soul’s turning toward divine truth and providence.

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  9. 9. Confessions, Volume Ii

    A continuing spiritual autobiography that narrates the author’s decisive break with Manichaeism, the inner struggles and relationships that led to his conversion and baptism, and the early years of his Christian life; it mixes candid personal memory—confessions of youthful sin, friendship, and moral temptation—with sustained philosophical and theological reflection on memory, time, truth, divine grace, and the interpretation of Scripture, culminating in contemplations on creation and eternity that recast a private life-story as a meditation on the human longing for God.

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