The Complete Works of Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430 CE) stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of Christianity and Western philosophy. His theological vision helped shape the doctrinal foundations of both Catholic and Protestant traditions, particularly through his profound reflections on grace, free will, original sin, and the nature of the Church. Augustine's life—a journey from youthful hedonism and philosophical inquiry to devout Christian bishop—mirrors the spiritual transformation he so eloquently describes in his writings. As bishop of Hippo in Roman North Africa, his extensive body of work engaged heresies, addressed pastoral concerns, and developed a comprehensive theological system that would dominate Christian thought for over a millennium. His synthesis of classical philosophy with biblical faith marks a turning point in the intellectual history of the West. This collection presents his complete works, offering an unparalleled view of the breadth and depth of his theological and philosophical legacy. At its heart lies The Confessions, a landmark of introspective literature and spiritual autobiography. Composed in the form of a prayer, it recounts Augustine's restless search for truth and meaning, culminating in his conversion to Christianity. It remains one of the most intimate and enduring works of Christian devotion. Equally monumental is The City of God, a sweeping theological and historical work written in response to the sack of Rome in 410 CE. Here, Augustine contrasts the transient "earthly city" with the eternal "city of God," providing a vision of history and human destiny that has deeply influenced Western thought. In On Christian Doctrine, Augustine provides a systematic guide for interpreting Scripture, emphasizing the importance of love as the guiding principle of exegesis. On the Holy Trinity is Augustine's profound meditation on the nature of God, exploring the mystery of the triune Godhead through philosophical reasoning and scriptural insight. Complementing this is The Enchiridion, or Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Love, a concise manual of Christian teaching composed at the request of a Roman official, which distills Augustine's theological vision into accessible form. Among his pastoral and catechetical writings, On the Catechising of the Uninstructed and A Treatise on Faith and the Creed reflect Augustine's concern with guiding new believers in the essentials of Christian faith. His extensive correspondence, collected under Letters, reveals the breadth of his influence across ecclesiastical, philosophical, and political spheres. This collection also includes Augustine's major polemical works: The Anti-Manichaean Writings, The Anti-Donatist Writings, and the Anti-Pelagian Writings, each addressing key theological controversies of his time. These texts clarify Augustine's doctrine of grace, ecclesiology, and his staunch opposition to dualism and schism. In addition, the collection features his biblical commentaries and homilies, including Our Lord's Sermon on the Mount, According to Matthew, The Harmony of the Gospels, Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament, Lectures on the Gospel of John, and Homilies on the First Epistle of John, showcasing his exegetical brilliance. His Soliloquies and Expositions on the Psalms round out this vast intellectual treasury, blending prayer, philosophy, and poetic interpretation. This edition includes comprehensive commentaries on each work, accompanied by introductory explanations that illuminate the historical context, theological climate, and specific circumstances that prompted Augustine to write each text. Additionally, it features a detailed biography of the saint, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the era in which he lived and the religious upheavals that shaped his prolific writings and pastoral activism.