In this book, we look at Augustine’s fascination with Manichaeism, the death of his friend and how his wrestling leads to an examination of the meaning of words. In fact, his analysis of the structure of a sentence, in true Augustinian fashion, will reveal to us the meaning of time and eternity. While he teaches us about words, he also gives a lesson on how to position ourselves to view reality and experience true conversion. We will look at phrases like, “I turned my back to the light and my face to the things it illuminated.”

Book III- The Case for Classical EducationJoin us for our look at Book III where Augustine encounters the fundamental question: What is education? We will see that in his journey to Christ, he first turns to the pagan Cicero. We see the pattern of the early Church right here. We find the noble search for truth in the pagans and this thirst then is only satisfied by Christ Himself. This is why the classical model of education is the most suited for finding Christ.The book begins with Augustine following unholy loves in Carthage. While reading Cicero changes his mind, we have yet to see what will convert his heart. Whether it is grappling with lust or being seduced by the Manichees, Augustine is still unteachable by the end of this book. And yet, the suspense builds towards hope as we learn about Monica's famous dream and her conversation with the formidable Bishop Ambrose.Perhaps most importantly, we will see why this book on Augustine's early years confronts us with a question: How do we approach teaching and learning? As a liberal arts school, we deeply desire to know the answer and we find here as we move through the Confessions, a work like no other.Join our Intellectual Society! https://www.holychildnm.com/about/intellectual-formation

Join us for Book Two where we learn about the ways Augustine places his fall into sin with Old Testament imagery from Genesis and Job and New Testament visions of the sower, the field and the Prodigal Son. Why does he spend so much time discussing the theft of the pears? Augustine challenges us to ask: How am I listening to God’s voice? Where might my ears be closed? Find out about this and other events from his period of “adolescentia” in our look at Book Two.Would you like to gain access to group reflection questions for these episodes? Then visit our website or sign up with our intellectual society by clicking here https://www.holychildnm.com/about/intellectual-formation