A true journey into catholic life

Would you listen to The Confessions of St. Augustine again? Why?

This is an incredibly well read translation of The Confessions, and while it does not correspond exactly to my paper version (ISBN 978-1-937913-70-0) it is still not a modernistic translation. Because of the choice of language used, certain chapters are more challenging to listen to but I will definitely be keeping this one on my iPhone so that I can listen to it frequently.

Would you be willing to try another book from Saint Augustine? Why or why not?

I found this exposition of a mans internal struggle as he moves closer to a life with Christ to be very modern in its honesty and frankness. This is something that we don't necessarily expect from such an old and esteemed source. I am looking forward to reading much more by St Augustine as I feel there is much which I can learn fro his writings. I am looking forward to getting Retractions next, which was written to respond to some of the things in this little book.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

The way that this book was read, is without a doubt it's single strongest point. Simon Vance was able to project these expressions of thought in a way that both followed the text but also imparted a discussive sense to the work. It was far less the reading of an old book and more akin to listening to a friend trying to explain how and why he found his love of Our Lord. The section on memory and it's nature is particularly challenging for a read as it become a series of internalised questions and these need to be read (as they are here) as questions not mere sentences.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I found Chapter 29 of Book 10 to be incredibly moving, it is a short chapter subtitled 'Hoping in God" and discuses what we all as Christians would seek to obtain, a relationship with God through obedience and trust. It expounds on the concept of 'continence' which is this context means to restrict oneself, ones desires, and ones behaviour to that which is acceptable to your stage of life and your relationship with the church. If you are single, be single and chased. If you are married, love and honour your spouse both with you mind and you body. Obey the commandments and the teachings of the Church and her bishops as Christs representatives and the Apostles heirs.

Any additional comments?

I feel it should be said that I am simply a man who is on his own journey back to the Church after having drifted away for many years. I am not a theologian, nor am I qualified to speak for anyone else's experience with Christ or his Church. However, St Augustine was first a man, and a flawed one at that, but through the eternal love of Our Lord he found his way (often despite himself) back to believing in, trusting in and living in the way of Our Lord. Though the original transcript of this book was written in approximately the year 450, it is as relevant and potent today and still has much to teach us about introspection and the human condition

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4 people found this helpful

Well read and Interesting

What did you like most about The Confessions of St. Augustine?

Augustine is a pretty cool guy.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

what?

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favourite?

huh?

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Just the idea of this ancient guy struggling to find a purpose in life; we all struggle with that to some extent, in our crazy modern world but it ain't a new problem. :)

Any additional comments?

nah.

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1 person found this helpful

I had to read this for Philisophy Degree

the performance is very good and professional, but the content of St Augustine's confessions is something I can only recommend to the most sycophantic christians, or those also doing a philosophy degree who are obligated to be familiar with this text.

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Anyone interested in religion needs to read this.

Forget Dawkins, Harris, Hitchins, McGrath or Swinburne. Most of the questions and answers to issues of religious faith are in here. Read this, City of God and Summa Theologicae (Aquinas) and you'll see how trivial most modern popular discussion is. There is nothing new under the Sun! Well read and a worthwhile listen.

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13 people found this helpful

What a blessing! ❤

I love this book! where has it been all my life! Will definitely be listening to it again! It's a keeper.

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Great performance of an amazing book

Even the parts that are hard to swallow, are agreeable and easily to
Understand. Thank you.

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I can' access it

I would love to be able to write a review, but the easy access you describe in your introductory film just does not work on my iPad

Since you have taken the order on the iPad I wonder why I cannot access it?

One very dissatisfied customer

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