ST AUGUSTINE REVISITED

Posted: 08.08.21 in Articles category

This month seems appropriate again to remember Augustine of Hippo as his feast day is on 28 August. The fifth century bishop and theologian from north Africa has become a controversial figure today with his negative views about sexual activity and as the author of unpopular ideas such as 'original sin'. However, I suspect few modern Christians would disagree with Augustine's views on nature as a God-given book to view with care, as expressed in this quotation attributed to him:

Some people, in order to find God, will read a book. But there is a great book, the book of created nature. Look at it carefully top and bottom, observe it, read it. God did not make letters of ink for you to recognise him in; he set before your eyes all these things he has made. Why look for a louder voice?