Religion - St. Augustine's Confessions Research Paper

Religion - St. Augustines Confessions - Research Paper ExampleAugustine is an influential man. Beyond his self-explanatory influence in the faith, he has exerted tremendous sway on philosophy, theology, and even education. Augustine was not originally a believer. His autobiographical book, Confessions, details his conversion. However, unlike a standard autobiographical book, Augustine recounts the events of his life in terms of how they tinct his faith and his beliefs. Many people find the story of Augustine infinitely inspiring and fascinating. Indeed, Benedict XVI called him unrivaled of Christian historys greatest converts during his address to the General Audience at the Paul VI Audience Hall. Augustines conversion is not a story of blinding light or a single importation that shifted everything. It is, rather, a story of small steps toward an ultimate goal. It is the story of how many forces work to point a person in the direction they need to go. It is the story of how liste ning to small signs and signals can help a person find their rightful spot. Although Augustine grew up with religious instruction, he was not a believer in the way he was after his conversion. In fact, he describes his feelings regarding spirituality and faith quite clearly. Thus I at that time believed with my mother and the whole house, except my father yet he did not traverse the influence of my mothers piety in me so as to prevent my believing in Christ, as he had not yet believed in Him (Schaff and Augustine, Chapter XI). ... Augustines background did not lend itself to faithfulness. His creation was much like that of the modern child and adolescent pleasure and material focused. He recounts the specifics of the society and family in which he was reared. Augustines first mention of any sort of spiritual awareness is after unveiling school. School was a place of wretched existence for Augustine, who was fearful of beatings from his teachers. Augustine recalls his introduction to God O Lord, I observed men praying to thee, and I learned from them to conceive thee--after my capacity for understanding as it was then--to be some great Being, who, though not visible to our senses, was able to hear and help us (Augustine, 50). He explains that he sought Gods assistance with his everyday concerns at the time, which centered upon comfort. Small as I was, I prayed with no slight earnestness that I might not be beaten at school (Augustine, 50). Augustines upbringing continues in a typical manner he is consumed with concern oer material items and pleasure. His thoughts are not focused toward God. In fact, his thoughts turn to lust as he approaches adolescence. He speaks about the fact that lust is almost taught to boys through their education. He points out that they read about the gods, who deeds are wicked and within whom lust is strong and overpowering. His point is fair that lust is almost taught to boys as a natural condition, one which they can excuse. Aft er all, if even a god cannot overcome his desires, how could a mere mortal be expected to do so? Augustine discusses in depth his battle with lust. This is a battle which will plague him throughout his life, even unto his life as a servant of God. It is a very mortal