Introduction
In “Confessions,” St. Augustine explores the theme of friendship extensively, reflecting on the nature of his relationships with others and how they have shaped his journey toward God. His friendships are a fundamental part of his life story and spiritual development, serving as both a source of joy and a means of grappling with the complexities of human interaction and the divine.
The Role of Friendship in St. Augustine’s Confessions
One of the most striking aspects of friendship in Augustine’s narrative is its dual role in both leading him astray and guiding him toward God. In Book II, Augustine recounts his theft of pears when he was a young man, an act he attributes to the corrupting influence of peer pressure: “I wouldn’t have done it by myself… It was friendship with the gang of wrongdoers that made me do wrong” (Ruden, Confessions, Book II). This passage highlights Augustine’s view that friendships can lead to sin when they are not oriented toward God.
Despite such negative experiences, Augustine does not dismiss the value of friendship. Rather, he sees it as a reflection of the human desire for unity and a symbol of the divine love that binds people together. In Book IV, he mourns the death of a dear friend, lamenting, “Everything I had done with him—now that he was gone—became a vast torment” (Ruden, Confessions, Book IV). His friend’s death prompts Augustine to contemplate the nature of human connection and the pain caused by its loss, leading him to realize that only in God can one find a permanent and unchanging love.
Augustine’s friendships also play a crucial role in his intellectual and spiritual development. His discussions with friends help him to wrestle with philosophical and theological questions. For instance, his friendship with Alypius and Nebridius in Book VI represents a shared pursuit of truth and wisdom. They engage in deep conversations about the nature of evil and the existence of God: “The very fever of our society bonded us more tightly in the fire of our passion for the immaterial light” (Ruden, Confessions, Book VI). These friends act as critical interlocutors, challenging Augustine to refine his thinking and encouraging his pursuit of a higher truth.
The Significance of Augustine’s References to Friends and Contemporaries
The mention of specific individuals in Augustine’s life serves to ground his spiritual journey in the reality of his social context. By including his friends and contemporaries in the narrative, Augustine demonstrates how God’s grace can work through human relationships. His eventual conversion is not just a personal transformation but also a communal event influenced by the people around him.
For example, the influence of Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, is pivotal in Augustine’s journey. It is through Ambrose’s preaching and guidance that Augustine begins to see the possibility of reconciling his intellectual pursuits with Christian faith: “That man of God received me like a father and showed me kindness… I began to love him, at first not as a teacher of the truth… but simply as a man who was kind and generous to me” (Ruden, Confessions, Book V).
Saint Augustine’s “Confessions” is not only a personal spiritual autobiography but also a profound work of philosophy that reflects a critical engagement with the intellectual currents of his time. Augustine’s narrative is deeply rooted in the intellectual and spiritual milieu of the late Roman Empire, a period marked by a rich tapestry of religious and philosophical movements. Among these were the Manicheans and the Platonists, two groups whose ideas significantly impacted Augustine’s thought before his conversion to Christianity.
Augustine narrates his intellectual struggles and his encounters with these philosophical groups with candor and introspection. He acknowledges the ways in which these schools of thought shaped his own quest for truth and understanding. However, Augustine does not merely adopt the views of the Manicheans or the Platonists; instead, he critically examines their beliefs, recognizes their limitations, and ultimately transcends them. His profound engagement with these ideas allows him to develop a more nuanced and sophisticated theological and philosophical perspective.
The inclusion of friends and contemporaries in “Confessions” serves a dual purpose. On the one hand, it allows Augustine to convey the sincere and deeply felt connections that have shaped his life. On the other hand, it provides a means for Augustine to illustrate the workings of divine providence, which he perceives as guiding him through the maze of human relationships and intellectual debates toward a clearer understanding of God and the self.
Conclusion
In conclusion, friendship in St. Augustine’s “Confessions” is a complex and multifaceted theme. Augustine’s friends are central to his narrative, both as companions who share in his earthly joys and sorrows and as agents who, intentionally or not, lead him toward divine truth. By reflecting on his relationships with others, Augustine is able to explore the human condition, the nature of sin and grace, and the path to salvation. His confessional narrative is not just an introspective journey but a communal one, marked by the profound impact of those he has encountered along the way. The Sarah Ruden translation of “Confessions” captures the emotional depth and philosophical nuance of Augustine’s reflections on friendship, offering readers a window into the soul of one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers.
Work Cited
Augustine. Confessions. National Geographic Books, 2018.