For this week, I chose to read Augustine's Confessions. Augustine was from North Africa and lived from 354-430. This particular piece was written c.400. At that time, one of the main questions being asked by society was "Being a Christian can't be THAT easy, can it?" This question, among many others such as "What exactly makes a Christian?", is definitely present in Augustine's thoughts. Confessions, is actually a prayer that Augustine wrote out to God, containing details of his youth and how he came to the faith.
Augustine wrote about the time from when he was 19 to when he was 28 years old. During this time, he wrote, he was "arrogant in the one sphere, superstitious in the other, and vain and empty from all points of view." He taught the art of rhetoric, but also searched for God. Unfortunately though, he was never really happy. He searched for money and marriage and honor, but never felt fulfilled. Finally one day, after revelation brought on by a drunk in the streets, Augustine decided to stop waiting and making excuses and gave his entire life up to Christ. After years and years of mind-games and uncertainty, he was finally ready give up the desires and stresses of the flesh, and live his life with purpose.
To be completely honest, I was not looking forward to this blog at all. I figured I couldn't possibly have anything in common with this great religious person. I mean, people look up to him and learn from him still Today... what on earth could he have to confess that he did wrongly?!? Boy, was I wrong! I found myself often relating to the way that Augustine thought. There were many aspects, such as his hesitation, introspection, and uncertainty that I related completely to. Throughout my struggle (journey?) to find faith, I felt exactly as Augustine described in some parts. This reading, for me, was a good reassurance that even after all those negative thoughts and failed searching, it's still possible to find your faith, and stand firmly in it.
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