Augustine of Hippo: A Life

There are so many people I know who consider themselves too smart for God. I always direct them to the life of St. Augustine, an incredibly smart man, whose journey in life took him along that same path. Fortunately, through continued study and the knowledge provided by life's experience, he found his way to the truth.At the age of 31, in 386, he was so inspired by the story of Ponticianus and Saint Anthony, that he converted to Christianity. He said the conversion was prompted by a childlike voice he heard telling him to "take up and read." He began reading the Bible and the first thing he read was St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, chapter 13, about the transformation of believers. "Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof." He wrote about his conversion in "Confessions." If you're too smart for God and believe you can "figure it out on your own," the story of St. Augustine of Hippo is one you should read.He later wrote an account of his conversion – his very transformation, as Paul described – in his Confessions

Excellent biography of one whose impact on the body of Christ still looms large. I read this biography to get a fuller view of who this man was after reading about him in a section of a church history textbook (also reviewed). This is the African whose shadow cast to the year 1517 to a German monk by name of Luther and beyond. It seems like starting with Abraham, God would send a giant who would precipitate or perform a major operation of God's redemption plan. This continued to Augustine, and was followed by Martin Luther. We are about due now for the next hero of the church. I digress.The reason I gave this four rather than five stars is that Chadwick does not adequately interact with the events, actions and works of Augustine or his life. He almost seems too awe-struck to critique his subject. Granted, there is much to admire, much to emulate, but there is also much to critique in this monumental leader's work, rationale and philosophy.If you are looking for a good treatment of a most influential historic figure, this is it. I am glad I bought and read this one.

I was wrong about this book. I mistakenly thought it was a short, "easy reading" feel-good book to make up for Peter Brown's monumental academic biography which I struggled with but made it through. I knew I was in trouble when the forward was challenging . . . I look and lo and behold its written by . . . Peter Brown . . . nooooooooooo!Having said that, Chadwick's Augustine is actually an extremely concise and clear commentary that compliments and illuminates Brown's book. No, it's not light. But I got a much better understanding of the various philosophies, world views and culture of the time period, plus a greater sympathy for Augustine as a real person burdened with iconic status even during his lifetime. "His misfortune was to become treated as a towering authority in the history of western Christianity in a way that he himself would have strongly deplored."So Augustine doesn't seek out the career and struggles and battles that find him. And he is such a prolific writer on hot topics that there is inevitably much to agree and also disagree with. He even revises himself with his own "Reconsiderations." Centuries later people use Augustine to justify their own actions good and bad. For those looking to the past for a hero (myself included), Augustine seems to clearly want to redirect our attention to God. For those looking for a great church history writer, Henry Chadwick seems to me to be a pretty good start . . .

Overall this was a quite enjoyable read. In places the reading got a little heavy as Chadwick dives (though not too deeply) into some of the primary themes of Augustine's writings. Yet it is exactly because Chadwick does this that the book is one which I would recommend to anyone (student or non-student) who wants to better acclimate themselves with Augustine, his life, and his works. The book excellently situates Augustine's primary works within their historical situation and helps give a good context for them. Fascinatingly, reading this book alongside one of Augustine's works is very informative and can help draw out themes one might miss (especially if one is not used to read Augustine or writer's from that era).

Excellent overview of Augustine's life. I needed to write a paper on St. Augustine and this book provided me with enough details for my paper without taking too much time to read. If you are wanting to REALLY learn about Augustine than this might be leave you wanting more as it seems to mention events or periods rather than diving into everything.But it was a good read, I learned a lot, and it's not a thick read.

I found this a fascinating and illuminating journey into the world of 4th/5th Century African Christianity in its engagement with the philosophical thought of late antiquity. It also gave clarity to the pastoral practice of a man who was as much concerned for the well-being of people as he was his theological ideas. Augustine is very much a product of his time, not merely a defender of Catholic orthodoxy or conservative sexual morals. Chadwick makes it clear that he was the shepherd of his flock, for good or for ill. The prose is captivating and readable, and the book is accessible - and short - enough to newcomers to be a helpful introduction to Augustine's thought, and perhaps more importantly, to the life he led. Great read.

This purchase was required reading for a class. I was not enthusiastic about having to read it but was completely impressed by the life of this man! According to this biography, he was a true man of God who gave up all worldly desires to follow Him and devoted his life to teach that to others.

Read this for class and what was mandatory became an enjoyable read. Was not super complicated and was easy to follow. Great synthesis of Augustine’s ideals and reviews of his works.

Henry Chadwick does an excellent short biography of this titan of the Christian world. Easy to read and illuminating on all the key issues surrounding Augustine’s life and writing. A great launch point for further study. I particularly warmed to Augustine on preaching as an exploration of the text with the congregation, with participation from his listeners encouraged. Augustine never set out to be a great church leader and had huge humility. As a writer his end of life maxim that he wished to be “one of those who write as they progress and progress as they write” (page 167) is both humble and inspiring to all writers. Although we may not agree with him on some things the church since then owes him much.David Webster, author Your Royal Identity.

Henry Chadwick's books are always stimulating and this is no exception. If like me you had always planned to read about Augustine but never got around to it, this short book is an excellent way to begin. Augustine' s life and times and his opinions are sketched out in a clear, easy to understand way and in a way sympathetic to Augustine showing his good points and his bad ones!

This book is relatively short but it is a good introduction to St Augustine’s life and theology, written by a great scholar.

A fascinating account of an intriguing figure of Christian belief. This biography captures the important phases of this key figures life and examines the other faiths that were available at the time.

Henry Chadwick at his best. Puts Augustne in his context.