St. Augustine Biography

(Theologian, Philosopher and One of the Most Important Church Fathers of the Latin Church in the Patristic Period.)

Birthday: November 13, 354 (Scorpio)

Born In: Thagaste

Saint Augustine, also known as Augustine of Hippo, was a bishop of Hippo Regius in Northern Africa. He was an ancient Christian theologian who played a significant role in the development of early Western philosophy marked by the merging of Greek philosophy and Judeo-Christian religious traditions. He had an intellectual bent of mind and was fascinated by philosophical enquiries, and spent his early life exploring various philosophical and religious theories. Even though regarded as one of the foremost figures of Western Christianity, he had not even converted to the religion until he was 31 years old. He was greatly influenced by the Gnosticism, Manichaeism, though later on his interests shifted to Neo-Platonism. After years of confusion he read the Holy Scriptures and became convinced that he could attain salvation only through Jesus Christ. Upon his conversion to Christianity, he started developing his own theories on philosophy and theology which left a profound impact on the medieval worldview. In recognition of his contribution to the Christian doctrine, he was given the title of Doctor of the Church. He is considered a saint by the Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Church, and is the patron saint of brewers, printers, and theologians. Such is his impact on the Western religion that his works like ‘Confessions’ and ‘City of God’ are widely read even today.

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Quick Facts

Also Known As: Augustine of Hippo, Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis

Died At Age: 75

Family:

father: Patricius Aurelius

mother: Saint Monica

Born Country: Algeria

Saints Theologians

Died on: August 28, 430

place of death: Annaba, Algeria

  • 1

    What are some famous works by St. Augustine?

    Some of the famous works by St. Augustine include "Confessions," "City of God," and "On Christian Doctrine."

  • 2

    What is St. Augustine known for in the history of Christianity?

    St. Augustine is known for his contributions to Christian theology, particularly his ideas on original sin, free will, and the concept of the "just war."

  • 3

    How did St. Augustine's conversion to Christianity influence his writings?

    St. Augustine's conversion experience played a significant role in shaping his writings, particularly in his reflections on sin, grace, and the nature of God.

  • 4

    What is the significance of St. Augustine's concept of the "City of God?"

    St. Augustine's concept of the "City of God" contrasts the earthly city, representing human society and its flaws, with the heavenly city, representing the kingdom of God and eternal life.

Childhood & Early Life
Augustine was born at Tagaste, in the Roman Province of Africa, to Patricius and Monica. His father was a pagan while his mother was a Christian, and they belonged to an honourable upper class family.
His parents sent him to attend school at Madaurus when he was 11 years old. There he learned Latin literature and gained knowledge about pagan beliefs and practices.
He went to Carthage at the age of 17 to continue his education in rhetoric.
His mother had raised him in the Christian faith, but he was pulled towards the Manichaean religion.
As a youth he sought out different life experiences and had an affair with a young woman in Carthage who later bore him a son, named Adeodatus.
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Later Life
He took a teaching job at Tagaste where he taught grammar during 373-374. Later on he moved to Carthage to teach rhetoric, and held this position for nine years.
In 383, he went to Rome to establish a school there, but was disappointed with the apathy of the Roman schools.
He accepted the position of a professor of rhetoric at the imperial court at Milan in late 384. This was a very prestigious post that enabled the holders to easily enter a political career.
In Milan, he met Saint Ambrose who deeply influenced his thinking and philosophy. By this time, Augustine was disillusioned with the Manichaean religion and was moving towards Christianity.
He formally converted to Christianity in 386 and was baptized by Saint Ambrose in 387.
He completed his Christian Apology, ‘On the Holiness of the Catholic Church’ in 388.
He was ordained a priest in Hippo Regius in Algeria in 391, where he gained much respect and fame as a preacher. Several of his original sermons have been carefully preserved.
In 395, he was appointed the coadjutor Bishop of Hippo and was soon promoted to the position of full Bishop, hence gaining the name ‘Augustine of Hippo’. He held this position till 430.
A devout Christian, he passionately defended the religion from its detractors and involved himself in convincing people to convert to Christianity.
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He wrote ‘Confessions’, a set of 13 books in Latin in which he gave an account of his conversion to Christianity. The books are presumed to be written during 397 and 398. His other major works include: ‘The city of God’, ‘The Enchiridion’ and ‘On the Trinity’.
Major Works
He was a prolific writer who had authored more than a hundred books. His works which have greatly influenced the development of Christian theology include apologies, works on Christian doctrine, and exegetical works.
Saint Augustine is mainly revered for his contribution to Western religion and philosophy through his teachings and various sermons. A man of high intellect, his works have covered various religious fields such as Christian anthropology, astrology, ecclesiology, etc.
Personal Life & Legacy
As a young man he became involved with a woman in Carthage. Their relationship lasted 13 years and produced a son. He did not marry her because she was of a different social class.
His mother arranged his marriage with a girl of her choice, but this engagement did not culminate in marriage. Meanwhile, he had also developed relations with another woman whom he eventually left.
He became very ill in early 430 and spent his last days in prayer and repentance. He died on 28 August 430.
He was declared to be a saint and canonized after his death. Pope Boniface VIII later named him as a Doctor of the Church in 1298.
Facts About St. Augustine

Augustine was known for his love of music and was said to have a beautiful singing voice. He often incorporated music into his prayers and writings.

Augustine was a prolific writer and is credited with several pieces of writing, covering a wide range of topics from theology to philosophy to personal reflections.

Augustine had a close relationship with his mother, St. Monica, who played a significant role in his conversion to Christianity. Their bond is often seen as an example of the power of maternal influence.

Augustine was known for his deep introspection and philosophical musings, often questioning the nature of time, memory, and the human experience in his writings.

See the events in life of St. Augustine in Chronological Order

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