Augustine's Preached Theology

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Augustine is often overlooked as a preacher, yet he delivered weekly sermons for nearly forty years to his congregation in Hippo Regius, and occasionally in Carthage and other Roman cities. His sermons differ significantly from his theological treatises, which were aimed at an educated elite, while his preaching addressed Christians who engaged more with the spoken word. His treatises are intellectual and theoretical, whereas his sermons are marked by conviction, emotion, and a commitment to action. This volume by Augustine scholar Patout Burns delves into the theology of Augustine’s preaching. By utilizing recent advances in the chronological ordering of Augustine’s sermons, Burns traces the evolution of key themes such as wealth and poverty, sin and forgiveness, baptism, eucharist, marriage, the role of clergy, scripture interpretation, the human condition, and Christ’s saving work. He also highlights the impact of significant controversies like Donatism and Pelagianism on Augustine’s messages. Burns demonstrates that many of Augustine’s pivotal insights regarding the relationship between Christ and Christians emerged from his sermons. Augustine aimed to create a dialogue between scripture and lived experience, achieving this effectively. Consequently, both pastors and scholars will find valuable insights in Burns’s exploration of one of Christian history's most impactful ministers.