In this book, Stephen Cooper provides an overview of the greatest theologian of the early church: Augustine of Hippo. Augustine has had a towering influence in the history of Christianity and his Confessions has long been regarded as one of Christianity's classic texts. Cooper introduces the life and thought of Augustine through discussing the Confessions and shows how many of Augustine's human struggles are still with us today. He also examines the theological views of Augustine that emerged through the important controversies of his times. By focusing on the Confessions, Cooper takes us through Augustine's journey as we see him losing his way and then finding it again by the grace of God. Augustine shows us what it means to be from God, to be oriented to God, and then brought to God by God. Stephen A. Cooper is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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"This book is helpful for those of us who have heard of Augustine, but know little about his life or theology. I found the biographical details very interesting, and I think the book gives a good overall understanding of Augustine's spiritual and theological experiences, conversion(s) and beliefs."
— Melissa (4 out of 5 stars)
" This is a sort of 'idiots' guide (without calling you an idiot). Full of excerpts from Augustine's books, it is a great way to be introduced to this philosopher/theologian/apologist. You will want to read more about him after reading this book, which is exactly what a book like this should do. "
— Noelle, 3/11/2013" Decent but I was hoping it would be better compiled and more interesting. It leaves out some central themes of his theology and life. "
— Dan, 1/28/2013" This title concentrated mainly on The Confessions of Augustine with an explanation accompanying the parts of the text. Have to check out others in the series. "
— Ron, 11/25/2012" It was a good and informative fly-over. If you are considering reading Augustine this might be a place to whet your appetite. "
— Val, 2/22/2012" I suppose I could have just read the Confessions; I've heard it's equally as short. "
— Travis, 12/13/2011" While far from exhaustive this book served as an accessible introduction to Augustine, the Confessions, and the major controversies of his time as Bishop. "
— Dora, 11/10/2011" Great book as an introduction to the thought and theology of St. Augustine. Read this before tackling any of his other works. "
— Pastor, 7/30/2011" I suppose I could have just read the Confessions; I've heard it's equally as short. "
— Travis, 4/16/2011" Decent but I was hoping it would be better compiled and more interesting. It leaves out some central themes of his theology and life. "
— Dan, 2/12/2011" While far from exhaustive this book served as an accessible introduction to Augustine, the Confessions, and the major controversies of his time as Bishop. "
— Dora, 12/15/2009Stephen A. Cooper is an associate professor of religious studies at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Simon Vance (a.k.a. Robert Whitfield) is an award-winning actor and narrator. He has earned more than fifty Earphones Awards and won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration thirteen times. He was named Booklist’s very first Voice of Choice in 2008 and has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice as well as an AudioFile Best Voice of 2009. He has narrated more than eight hundred audiobooks over almost thirty years, beginning when he was a radio newsreader for the BBC in London. He is also an actor who has appeared on both stage and television.