Images of conversion in St. Augustine's Confessions
Book Description
Robert J. O'Connell presents a profound exploration of spiritual transformation through the lens of one of Christianity's most influential autobiographical works. Drawing upon his earlier research into Augustine's symbolic imagination, O'Connell examines three pivotal moments that shaped the saint's spiritual journey, each triggered by transformative encounters with sacred texts.
The study traces Augustine's evolution through his youthful discovery of Cicero's philosophical writings, his encounter with Platonic thought, and culminating in his life-altering experience reading Paul's Letter to the Romans in a Milan garden. O'Connell reveals how Augustine's own imagery creates unexpected connections between these conversion experiences, showing how each involves a symbolic return to feminine figures representing both bridal and maternal aspects of divine wisdom.
Through careful analysis of Augustine's symbolic language, O'Connell uncovers deeper patterns within the Confessions that illuminate the complex relationship between spiritual longing and worldly ambition. His examination extends beyond the famous garden scene to demonstrate how Augustine's conversion imagery influenced his later philosophical dialogues, creating a coherent symbolic framework that spans his early Christian writings.
This scholarly yet accessible work offers readers interested in spiritual development a unique window into how personal transformation unfolds through layers of meaning and metaphor. O'Connell's approach reveals how Augustine's internal journey continues to speak to contemporary seekers navigating their own paths toward spiritual understanding and authentic conversion.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
🕉️ Tradition: Christianity
📄 Length: 327 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Bekering
- ✓ Explore Conversion dans la littérature
- ✓ Explore Bekehrung
- ✓ Explore Damaskuserlebnis
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
- ✓ Explore Histoire des doctrines
- ✓ Explore Conversion
