Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Augustine of Hippo
A Life of Faith, Reason, and Wisdom
Full Name and Common Aliases
Saint Augustine of Hippo's full name was Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis. He is commonly referred to as St. Augustine, Saint Augustine, or simply Augustine.
Birth and Death Dates
Augustine was born on November 13, 354 AD in Thagaste, a small town in the Roman province of Numidia (modern-day Algeria). He passed away on August 28, 430 AD, during the Vandal invasion of Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria).
Nationality and Profession(s)
Augustine was a North African Roman citizen. Throughout his life, he pursued multiple professions: philosopher, theologian, writer, priest, bishop, and confessor.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a pagan family, Augustine's early life was marked by spiritual searching. He studied rhetoric in Carthage (modern-day Tunisia) before moving to Rome and eventually Milan. During his time in Milan, he converted to Christianity, largely due to the influence of Ambrose, the bishop of Milan.
Major Accomplishments
Augustine's accomplishments are numerous:
As a theologian, he played a pivotal role in shaping Christian theology, particularly with regards to original sin and free will.
He was instrumental in establishing the Catholic Church's doctrine on sacraments and sacramentals.
Augustine also made significant contributions to Western philosophy, primarily through his ideas on epistemology (the theory of knowledge) and metaphysics.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Augustine's most notable works include:
"Confessions": A personal and philosophical account of his life, faith, and spiritual struggles.
"City of God": A comprehensive critique of pagan culture and a defense of Christianity against accusations of contributing to Rome's decline.
"On the Trinity": A theological treatise on the nature of God.
Impact and Legacy
Augustine's influence extends far beyond his own time:
His philosophical ideas have shaped Western thought, influencing thinkers like Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther.
As a theologian, he helped establish many Catholic Church doctrines and practices that remain central to the faith today.
* Augustine's emphasis on original sin has had a lasting impact on Christian theology and morality.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Saint Augustine of Hippo is remembered for his wisdom, spiritual depth, and significant contributions to both Christianity and Western philosophy. His quotes continue to inspire and challenge people across various disciplines and faiths.
Conclusion
Augustine's life was a testament to the power of faith, reason, and perseverance in the pursuit of truth. Through his writings and legacy, he has left an indelible mark on human history, offering insights that continue to resonate with us today.
Quotes by Saint Augustine of Hippo
Man's maker was made man that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother's breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witnesses, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.
Heaven forbid that we should believe in such a way as not to accept or seek reasons, since we could not even believe if we did not possess rational souls.
There is a Master within Who teaches us. Christ is our Master, and his inspiration and his anointing teaches us. Where his inspiration and his anointing are lacking, it is in vain that words resound in our ears. As Paul the Apostle said: 'I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.' Therefore, whether we plant or whether we water by our words, we are nothing. It is God Who gives the increase; His anointing teaches you all things.
Our wound is serious, but the Physician is all-powerful. Does it seem to you so small a mercy that, while you were living in evil and sinning, He did not take away your life, but brought you to belief and forgave your sins? What I suffer is serious, but I trust the Almighty. I would despair of my mortal wound if i had not found so great Physician.
As Christians, our task is to make daily progress toward God. Our pilgrimage on earth is a school in which God is the only teacher, and it demands good students, not one who play truant. In this school we learn something every day. We learn something from commandments, something from examples, and something from sacraments. These things are remedies for our wounds and materials for study.
Come, O Lord, and stir our hearts. Call us back to yourself. Kindle your fire in us.
Really great things, when discussed by little men, can usually make such men grow big.
O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.
