Many say that St. Augustine transformed the world more then any other non-biblical figure in history. Here is a thread to debate whether that is true or not.

*bounces* Oh! Oh! I love Augustine! Augustine is awesome!

Sorry, history nerd here.

That's a hard statement to agree or disagree with, really. However, he was amazingly influential in discovering and laying down orthodox doctrine, which is vital for the church. Of all the church fathers, I think he was closest to the truth, with the least misconceptions.

I'll have to keep an eye on this topic. I've taken a college-level course on Augustine and read his confessions, and so I know a lot about him.

Personally I think he was far from the truth in alot of ways. I have studied about him a little, and I didn't like what I saw. I think he drew a lot of people into his deceptions. I am not sure this is an extremely good topic for me to get involved in. I will subscribe and watch for now.

Augustine had a few points upon which I wouldn't agree with him, however, the vast majority of his work is foundational to just about everything any Christian believes to this day. So I'm curious what you don't like about what you have seen from him?

Oh yes, there are certainly points where he was off. Mostly from unconsciously hanging onto the old traditions. But I would have to say that he was the closest to the truth. He was a truly amazing man.

I'd also be curious about that, Elanor, though since we both seem to feel passionately about it it's okay if you'd rather not discuss it.

I'm not ignoring your replies, I'm just not rushing my reply. I want to make sure it's all right and everything before I post it. I know, Grace, which is why I do not want to keep discussing it. When people disagree over this matter they can just go 'round and 'round in circles to such a point that personally I don't find it edifies me. I will post my one post though, and leave it at that. I'll probably post it tomorrow or Sunday.

That sounds great, Elanor. Thank you for being so gracious and thoughtful, it is a blessing to me.

No debates on HW *points to Forum Rules* You can discuss Augustine here, but no debating

I'd also like to lovingly point out that whether or not you agree with Augustine's teachings does not change the centuries of influence he had on Christianity. So maybe a better track for this thread could be how those writing historical fiction (especially in the Medieval period) factor in Augustinian teachings' influence on the period they're writing about. Happy discussing, everyone!

*Smiles* I am afraid that is why I have not posted my long, long post. I was rather worried about the kind of reaction it might cause, so I have refrained from posting it.

I have NEVER studied Augustine, but he sounds quite interesting... Grace, do you have any links for me?

I have better than links -- read The Confessions of Saint Augustine. Then you can see what he really thought and taught. It's tough reading, but tough reading is good for you.

Also, if anyone is interested, the book Ecclesiastical History of the English People written by Bede has letters between St. Augustine and the Pope at the time, IIRC. That's not the entire focus of the book, but they're in there.