Augustine’S Literary Style In Confessions Was Very Effective

Augustine’s literary style in Confessions was very effective in relaying his thoughts on evil, redemption, Genesis, and his personal dichotomy between the bible and Neoplatonism. . Though the first nine books are a reflection of his life they are filled with the relationship between his thoughts and actions and his path to redemption and salvation, connecting these with his deep philosophical thoughts in the final books. It was interesting to see how his perspective changed over the course of his life as he began to combine Neoplatonic thought with metaphorical analysis of the bible. This journey, later in life, of reflecting upon our relationships to others—and to God—is relatable to most humans, however, Augustine does take it to a much†¦show more content†¦In Book I he has already begun to explore the mystery of God, asking how one can look for something if they do not know what they are looking for, and wondering if it is necessary to ask God to come into him if God is already within everything. I think this is where his journey toward inwardness begins—something he clarifies in later books, especially in Book X—as he reasons out the damage that the material world creates when it is allowed to be a distraction that scatters the mind. His sins were â€Å"a misdirection,† drawing him away from God and toward the material world, yet fully part of the path toward his relationship. He discusses this in Book II when he shares the story of stealing the pears—not because he was hungry or needed them, but just for the mischief of the action. His idea that God put all of the good qualities inside of him and he chose not to use them aligns with his later thoughts on evil. Augustine, with a father who was pagan Roman and Catholic Christian mother, made an interesting choice in studying the bible and following the Manichees, though oftentimes we do not see as clearly in the moment as we do upon reflection. One thing is very clear: Augustine did not seem to follow anything blindly, and everything he exposedShow MoreRelatedLife of Saint Ambrose Essay3634 Words   |  15 Pagesas the subject of this research. Because when I read his short life story in the book entitled My first Book of Saints by Son of Immaculate Heart of Mary. I was fascinated on his life story on how he lives and serve his life as the Bishop of Milan. St. Ambrose was largely responsible for the rise of Christianity in the West, and he was very courageous and untiring defender of the independence of the Church from the state. Through this research, I want to know more about him his way of life and