Augustine of Hippo
354 – 430 · Thagaste — Milan — Hippo (today Algeria)
Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church
Awaiting theological review
In one sentence
A brilliant, restless teacher who was converted in Milan and became the most influential theologian of the Latin West.
Why this person matters
His Confessions invented a new kind of writing — a prayer telling one's own life — and his thought on grace, the Church and the two cities shaped Western Christianity.
The Confessions tell his youth, his years with the Manichees, his mother Monica's prayers and his conversion in a garden in Milan in 386.
Baptised by Ambrose at Easter 387, he returned to Africa and became bishop of Hippo in 395/396.
He died in 430 while the Vandals besieged Hippo.
Historical context
The Western Roman Empire was collapsing; Rome was sacked in 410.
Key ideas
- You made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you
- Grace comes first
- Two cities: love of God and love of self
Controversies
Against the Donatists he defended the validity of sacraments given by unworthy ministers; against Pelagius, the necessity of grace.
Why they still matter
Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants all read him; few thinkers have shaped the West more.
Before
- Ambrose of Milanc. 339 – 397
Contemporary
- Gregory of Nazianzusc. 329 – 390
- Jeromec. 347 – 420
- John Chrysostomc. 347 – 407
After
- Cyril of Alexandriac. 376 – 444
- Confessions
- The City of God
- On the Trinity
- Sermons and letters
- Early Christian source
- Historical context
- Tradition
Statements are labelled by source. Early Christian sources are named where known; dates before the 4th century are often approximate.