Augustine Confessions Analysis

Saint Augustine’s “Confessions” is written to explain Saint Augustine’s conversion to Christianity. It is important to note that even though “Confessions” is an autobiography, the author is not the exact same person as the Augustine character that appears in the text. The author uses “Confessions” to argue that the motives and manner in how education is taught, such as Augustine’s schooling and Manichee teachings, puts the focus on pleasure of oneself and others. As a result, this strays oneself away from learning about God due to how Augustine’s teachers, both from school and Manichaeism, turn the focus towards gratification. The author argues this by associating the motives and intentions behind Augustine’s teachings with selfishness while …show more content…
Almost universally, drunkenness is viewed in an immoral and negative light which the author uses when writing, “I do not blame the words, for they are, as it were, choice and precious vessels, but I do deplore the wine of error which was poured out to us by teachers already drunk.” (A, 1: XVI). By removing blame from the content of education when writing “I do not blame the words,” the reason for Augustine’s path away from God is directed towards “the wine of error.” This error, which already affects the teachers, turns the focus on earthly success instead of spiritual development. The author implies this meaning by comparing it to drunkenness in the sense that just as a drunkard is tempted away from responsibilities, the teachers tempt Augustine’s focus away from on God. The negative connotation associated with drunkenness sways the audience into thinking that the teachers are not in the correct state of mind to teach. This analogy therefore shows the audience that for one to learn about Christianity, they must not succumb to the idea that life is meant for gaining material possessions, just as they should not fall to temptation of drinking when responsibilities come