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Back to Podcast EpisodesSt. Augustine of Hippo, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast
St. Augustine of Hippo, Part 1 – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson
- Born: 13 November 354
- Died: 28 August 430
Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discusses the life and legacy of St. Augustine, one of the most influential figures in Christian history. Dr. Bunson describes Augustine as a towering figure, honored as a saint, a Church Father, and a Doctor of the Church, often referred to as the “Doctor of Grace.” His vast body of work, including Confessions and City of God, has profoundly impacted Western civilization and Christian thought.
St. Augustine’s early life was marked by a search for truth that led him through various philosophical and religious paths, including Manichaeism, a sect that emphasized the struggle between good and evil. Despite his brilliant intellect, Augustine’s early years were also characterized by moral failings and spiritual struggles, including a notorious prayer, “Lord, make me chaste, but not yet,” reflecting his inner conflict.
A pivotal moment in Augustine’s life was his encounter with St. Ambrose in Milan, whose teachings and personal example deeply influenced him. Augustine’s eventual conversion to Christianity was spurred by an emotional and spiritual crisis, culminating in a mystical experience where he heard a child’s voice saying, “Take and read,” leading him to a passage in Romans that brought about his complete transformation. He was baptized by Ambrose, marking the beginning of his new life dedicated to Christ.
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
- How has St. Augustine’s theological contributions shaped both Catholic and broader Christian thought throughout history?
- What lessons can we learn from Augustine’s struggle with intellectual pride, especially in his early years with the Manicheans?
- How did the influence of key figures like St. Monica and St. Ambrose guide Augustine towards his conversion, and how can we seek similar guidance in our own spiritual journeys?
- Augustine experienced multiple conversions throughout his life; in what ways can we recognize and embrace ongoing conversion in our own faith lives?
- How did Augustine reconcile his desire for intellectual understanding with his need for faith, and what does this teach us about the balance between reason and belief?
- Reflect on Augustine’s confessions of sin and the transformative power of God’s grace; how can we apply this understanding to our own experiences of sin and redemption?
- Augustine famously stated, “Our hearts find no peace until they rest in you”; how does this insight challenge us to seek true peace in our relationship with God?
From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2008:
“In Milan, Augustine acquired the habit of listening – at first for the purpose of enriching his rhetorical baggage – to the eloquent preaching of Bishop Ambrose, who had been a representative of the Emperor for
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