Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine Confessions of Saint Augustine

Annotation

The Confessions of Saint Augustine outlines Augustine's sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity. It is considered the first Western autobiography ever written, and was an influential model for Christian writers for the next 1000 years. While it is not a complete autobiography it does provide the most complete record of any single individual from the 4th and 5th centuries. Augustine writes about how much he regrets having led a sinful and immoral life. He discusses his regrets for following the Manichaean religion and believing in astrology. He writes about Nebridius's role in helping to persuade him that astrology was not only incorrect but evil, and St. Ambrose's role in his conversion to Christianity. He shows intense sorrow for his sexual sins, and writes on the importance of sexual morality.