Episode 2935: St. Augustine’s On Christian Doctrine with Sharon

St. Augustine’s "On Christian Doctrine"
Sharon: Welcome back to our podcast, where we explore the wisdom of the great saints and Church Fathers from a traditional Catholic perspective. I’m Sharon, your host.
Walt: And I’m Walt, happy to join Sharon for today’s deep dive into one of the most essential works of Christian theology and biblical interpretation St. Augustine of Hippo’s "On Christian Doctrine."
Sharon: Before we dive into our discussion, let's begin with a prayer.
Heavenly Father, we come before You in gratitude for the wisdom and guidance You have provided through the saints of Your Church, especially St. Augustine of Hippo. Open our hearts and minds today as we explore his teachings, that we may grow in understanding and love of Your Holy Word. Grant us humility, clarity, and a burning desire to share Your truth with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Walt: Amen.

Sharon: Written in the late 4th century, "On Christian Doctrine" is a brilliant guide for interpreting Scripture and effectively preaching the faith. St. Augustine not only gives us rules for understanding the Word of God but also emphasizes how preachers and teachers must communicate God’s truth with clarity and love.
Walt: The book is divided into four books, each addressing critical aspects of Scripture interpretation and the art of communication.
Book 1: Understanding the Purpose of Scripture
Sharon: St. Augustine begins by explaining the ultimate purpose of Scripture: leading us to love God and our neighbor. He emphasizes that Scripture contains everything we need for salvation.
Walt: And he makes a key distinction between things to be used and things to be enjoyed. God is to be enjoyed—He is our ultimate good. Everything else is to be used as a means to love and serve Him.
Sharon: This concept is essential for understanding the moral framework of Christian life. Augustine warns us not to become attached to worldly things but to see them as tools to bring us closer to God.
Walt: And Sharon, he also addresses the role of faith, hope, and charity in interpreting Scripture. Without these theological virtues, we can easily misunderstand God’s Word.
Book 2: Discovering Hidden Meanings in Scripture
Sharon: Moving to Book 2, Augustine discusses how to deal with the more obscure passages of Scripture. He acknowledges that not all of Scripture is immediately clear.
Walt: That’s where the importance of studying languages, history, and culture comes in. Augustine encourages Christians to learn Hebrew and Greek if possible, as well as to study secular literature to better understand biblical imagery and references.
Sharon: This might sound surprising to some—that a Church Father would endorse studying secular works—but Augustine saw all truth as God’s truth. If something in secular literature helps illuminate Scripture, then it has value.
Walt: He even warns against those who, out of pride or laziness, refuse to seek the necessary tools to understand Scripture deeply.
Book 3: Rules for Interpretation
Sharon: In Book 3, Augustine lays out specific rules for interpreting Scripture. One of his key points is to always interpret Scripture in light of charity.
Walt: That’s a crucial point, Sharon. If our interpretation leads us away from love of God and neighbor, we’re getting it wrong.
Sharon: He also discusses the importance of distinguishing between literal and figurative language. Augustine gives examples of how a passage can have multiple layers of meaning, both literal and spiritual.
Walt: This approach is very much in line with the traditional Catholic understanding of the four senses of Scripture: literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical.
Book 4: The Art of Preaching
Sharon: Finally, in Book 4, Augustine turns his attention to the art of preaching. He emphasizes that a preacher must not only understand Scripture but also communicate it effectively.
Walt: That means speaking in a way that is clear, engaging, and adapted to the audience. Augustine warns against unnecessary complexity and encourages simplicity when it helps convey the message.
Sharon: But he also stresses the importance of prayer and humility. A preacher must rely on the Holy Spirit, not just their rhetorical skills.
Walt: And Sharon, isn't it beautiful how Augustine models this humility himself? Despite being one of the greatest theologians in Church history, he always recognized his dependence on God.
Key Takeaways for Today’s Catholics
Sharon: So, Walt, what are some key takeaways for our listeners from "On Christian Doctrine"?
Walt: I would say first, that we must approach Scripture with a heart open to love and guided by the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Second, we should be diligent in seeking the tools to understand Scripture, whether that’s studying languages, history, or the writings of the saints. And finally, we must communicate the faith with clarity and humility, always relying on the Holy Spirit.
Sharon: Beautifully said, Walt. I would add that Augustine’s emphasis on charity is particularly important in today’s world, where there is so much division and confusion. Scripture must always lead us to love.
Walt: Absolutely. And for those who feel intimidated by the task of interpreting Scripture, remember that Augustine himself struggled at times. But he persevered, knowing that God is the source of all wisdom.
Conclusion and Prayer
Sharon: Well, that brings us to the end of our discussion on St. Augustine’s "On Christian Doctrine." Thank you, Walt, for sharing your insights.
Walt: Always a pleasure, Sharon.
Sharon: Let’s close with a prayer, asking for the intercession of St. Augustine.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of St. Augustine and his wisdom. Through his writings, may we grow in our understanding of Your Word and be filled with the desire to love You and our neighbor more perfectly. Grant us the grace to interpret Scripture with humility and charity, and to communicate Your truth with clarity and courage. St. Augustine of Hippo, pray for us. Amen.
Walt: Amen.
Sharon: Thank you for joining us today. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast for more discussions on the great saints and Church teachings from a traditional Catholic perspective. God bless you all. Now go and teach people the writing of the great Saints!