Catholic Classics

St. Augustine finds himself incredibly close to conversion. He conveys two stories regarding the conversion of other men. He shares how these men were inspired by the story of St. Anthony of the Desert to convert to Catholicisim. The conversion stories of other people move St. Augustine greatly and play a key role in his own conversion. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss why it is so radical for a person to convert to Christianity. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 4-6.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine has settled his theological and philosophical challenges when it comes to Catholicism. However, an area that he continues to struggle with is chastity. He finds himself stuck in lust. St. Augustine also shares his perspective of the institutional Church and describes the conversion of an individual named Victorinus. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain why the conversion of just one person can be so impactful. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 1-3.

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Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Book 8 finds St. Augustine at the moment of his conversion. In this book, St. Augustine surrenders to the will of God and consents to grace. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk point out the importance of Scripture in the moment of St. Augustine’s conversion. They encourage everyone to read Scripture and remember that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God. Finally, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand urge anyone who is on the precipice of conversion to take that step of surrender to God.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.

Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As he continues his studies, St. Augustine realizes his knowledge of God, theology and Jesus are incomplete. He also concludes Book 7 with a comparison of the Neoplatonic texts he’s been reading with what he has been studying in Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the humility with which we must approach our study of God. Today’s readings are Book 7, Chapters 19-21.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.

Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What is the role of the human will? As St. Augustine resumes his expression of gratitude to God, he acknowledges the goodness of creation and God's yearning for us. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk clarify that the human will is the faculty through which we interact with the world. Through our wills, we have the capacity to rightly name everything, love in accordance with its worth, and lead a well-ordered life. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 13-18.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.

Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine embarks on a contemplation of key Catholic concepts, notably the Word or Logos. While he grasps the significance of the opening verses of John's Gospel, he encounters difficulty comprehending the notion of the Incarnate Word. In the discussion, Fr. Gregory explains the meanings of these terms and highlights St. Augustine's struggle with this concept. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk underscores that St. Augustine's work fundamentally constitutes a prayer, emphasizing his earnest desire to understand God. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 8-12.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.

Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

If God is all-powerful and loving, why does he permit evil? This is what St. Augustine wonders as he ponders astrology and its allures. He recognizes the dangers in ascribing to astrology. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that this is also a common enticement for modern people. They remind us that if we abandon ourselves to Divine Providence, we can be confident that God will care for us. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 5-7.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.

Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine considers the nature of God in Neoplatonic terms. Searching for a way to explain his reality, St. Augustine broadens his philosophical understanding of what God is. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss free will, the root and cause of evil, and our freedom to turn toward or away from God. Today's readings are Book 7, Chapters 1-4.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.

Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Setting the scene for Book 7, St. Augustine begins considering God differently. He is now 30 years old and no longer holds a dualistic understanding of who and what God is. Turning from all the previous notions he had, he looks to Plato. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain what Neoplatonism is and why this is important for us to prepare for Book 7.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.

Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we conclude Book 6, St. Monica arranges a marriage for St. Augustine. Still a slave to lust, he thinks this could be the only solution to living a chaste life. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that growth in virtue doesn't mean suffering through temptation but instead the flourishing of human love. Today's readings are Book 6, Chapters 11-16.

To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.

Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.