On Christian Doctrine

Augustine lived at a time when paganism and Christianity were at odds with one another, as the ancient Classical era slowly gave way to what would become the Christian era in the western world. How does this historical context shape Augustine’s worldview? How does he represent paganism in On Christian Doctrine?

Augustine is aware that there is much in the Old Testament that might strike his contemporary readers as immoral or hypocritical, both in terms of God’s behavior and in how some of the biblical heroes behaved. What are some of these issues surrounding morality and customs, and how does Augustine address them?

Augustine writes repeatedly about the power of education and the important role that teachers can play in spreading the Christian faith. How does Augustine depict education and teaching in On Christian Doctrine? What do his views tell us about the role of literacy and/or instruction in the early Christian church?

Augustine stresses that correct biblical interpretation depends upon the Christian reader’s ability to tell the difference between what is literal and what is figurative in the scriptures. How does Augustine define the difference between the literal and the figurative? What role does each play in the scriptures? Why is Augustine concerned that some readers might confuse the two?

Augustine claims that the love of one’s own self, the love of one’s neighbor, and the love of God are all closely connected. Why are these three forms of love important, and what is the relationship between them? How can a Christian know if he is engaging in the “right” form of love, according to On Christian Doctrine? Why does Augustine think love is so important for the faith?

Augustine speaks highly of the authority of the Church Fathers, and stresses the importance of both the scriptures and the church in guiding the life of the believer. What is the relationship between the scriptures and the church in Augustine’s thought? How does Augustine depict religious authority more generally in On Christian Doctrine?

Augustine devotes a significant portion of On Christian Doctrine to discussing the uses (and misuses) of rhetoric. What are Augustine’s views on rhetoric, both as an art form and as a tool for religious conversion and instruction? How did the rhetorical culture of the time—both Christian and pagan—shape Augustine’s views?

Augustine warns would-be preachers that it is crucial to ensure they live up to their own professed moral standards in order to inspire respect and trust in those they seek to guide. What are Augustine’s views on hypocrisy and sincerity in On Christian Doctrine? What moral advice does he give to those who wish to instruct others in the faith?