Remembering St. Augustine: A Church Father Rooted in Christ
Each year on August 28, Christians remember St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the most influential teachers in the history of the Christian Church. At Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Salt Lake City, we gladly embrace the history of the Christian Church as our own history and the faithful church fathers as part of our spiritual heritage. We do not regard Christianity as something that began with Martin Luther in the sixteenth century. Rather, we confess the same Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed by the apostles and faithfully taught throughout the centuries.
Who Was St. Augustine of Hippo?
Born in AD 354 in North Africa, Augustine spent his early years searching for wisdom, truth, and meaning. His mother, Monica, was a faithful Christian who prayed earnestly for her son throughout his spiritual struggles. After years of philosophical searching and false religious beliefs, Augustine was brought to faith through the Word of God and the influence of Bishop Ambrose of Milan. He was baptized in AD 387 and later became bishop of Hippo, serving the Church until his death on August 28, 430.
From Restlessness to Rest in Christ
Augustine’s spiritual journey is beautifully recorded in his famous work, Confessions. He recognized that human beings cannot find lasting peace through earthly pleasures, intellectual accomplishment, or personal righteousness. Our hearts remain restless until they find their rest in the living God. Augustine’s life reminds us that Christ graciously calls sinners to repentance and gives the forgiveness and peace we cannot secure for ourselves.
Augustine’s Teaching on Sin, Grace, and Salvation
One of Augustine’s greatest contributions was his defense of biblical teaching concerning original sin and divine grace. Against Pelagius, who minimized the corruption of human nature and emphasized the power of human choice, Augustine taught that fallen humanity cannot save itself. Salvation depends entirely upon the gracious work of God in Jesus Christ. These theological struggles would profoundly influence Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation more than a thousand years later.
Augustine’s Influence on Martin Luther
Martin Luther studied within the Augustinian theological tradition and encountered Augustine’s writings extensively. Luther’s recovery of the biblical teaching of justification by grace through faith developed within a Church that had long wrestled with questions Augustine addressed. Lutherans do not regard Augustine as infallible, nor do we accept every statement he made. We honor him as an important Christian teacher while recognizing Holy Scripture as the final authority for all Christian doctrine.
The Psalms, Prayer, and the Living Christ
Saint Augustine also devoted extraordinary attention to the Psalms, interpreting them in relation to Christ and His Church. His explanations encourage Christians to recognize the suffering, victory, and promises of our Savior throughout the Psalter. The Psalms give God’s people words for thanksgiving, sorrow, repentance, and confidence in divine mercy. This rich tradition of praying the Scriptures remains a blessing for Christian families today.
Why Church History Matters at Redeemer Lutheran Church
At Redeemer Lutheran Church and School, we believe studying the church fathers helps Christians understand the continuity of the historic Christian faith. Augustine belongs to the history of the one holy Christian and apostolic Church, which Lutherans confess in the Nicene Creed. His writings remind us that the Church has always faced theological challenges and has continually been called to defend the truth of God’s Word. We are grateful for the faithful Christians who came before us and pointed their generations to Jesus Christ.
Discover Historic Christianity in Salt Lake City
For those seeking a Lutheran church in Salt Lake City, Redeemer offers reverent historic worship, biblical preaching, Christian education, and faithful instruction in the Lutheran Confessions. We welcome families and individuals from Sugar House, Millcreek, Highland Park, and surrounding communities who desire to learn more about the historic Christian Church. Remembering St. Augustine is not simply an exercise in appreciating the past; it is an opportunity to give thanks for God’s continuing faithfulness to His people. We warmly invite you to join us at Redeemer Lutheran Church and School as we grow together in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
