Why did Augustine write the Confessions?
Authors
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Janusz Królikowski
The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków (Faculty of Theology, Section in Tarnów)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3929-6008 Janusz Królikowski
Keywords
Abstract
Saint Augustine’s Confessions, with its literary and spiritual specificity, set an important direction in Christian writing, which is still continued, and not only in Christian circles. Studies on the Bishop of Hippo discuss what prompted him to write this autobiographical work. In this article, we refer to the hypothesis that this was done under the influence of Paulinus of Nola. We then indicate the motives that determined the concrete implementation of Augustine’s idea, especially the motive of praising God and recognizing one’s sinfulness. These two main motives are complemented by the motive of helping the brothers on the way to holiness by “telling” the works that God has completed in him, and by the motive of asking the brothers to receive prayerful help from them. In its final form, Augustine’s work is a valuable aid for Christians in shaping their journey towards God.
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