Augustine Confessions Analysis

In Confessions by Saint Augustine he vouches that the only two essential things in this world are life and friendship. According to Augustine’s claim God created man on this earth to do two things:breathe and live. This is something that a human needs, but Augustine goes even further, declaring that to be a whole person, one must live a life with friends and friendship. Augustine interpreted others theories about friendship such as the Roman politician Cicero. After reading their thoughts and interpretations on friendship he critically analyzed what they had to say by reflecting in an intellectual manner. But Augustine also viewed friendship as an important part of his life and he evaluates his friendships as an adult over the course of the

This kind of relationship he is describing is one based solely off companionship and it is not mutually beneficial. This involves getting along with someone or in some circumstances being greedy and taking advantage of that person. As humans, we can desire friends whose company bring us satisfaction or who gives us something that we may not have access to ourselves. This type of friendship can be a deterioration of one's conscience and it can lead us in the wrong path, one that we did not intend to embark on. In addition, one might sacrifice their own morals or beliefs just to please a friend and maintain one’s own enjoyment and approval of these so-called friends. In this type of self centered friendship it primarily focuses on ourselves and what our friend offers us. When he was part of the gang that stole and wasted pears from a tree all Augustine wanted was to be accepted. Augustine claims the pleasure he received was not because he stole, but it was the camaraderie associated with this sinful act carried out with his friends. Therefore his motives are problematic not his actions because there were no need for him to steal, it was a loathing for justice, and his love of sin/ wicked desire trumped his desire for good. This actions resulted in the absence of good will. During this time the foundation for all of his friendships were

This is a huge step for Augustine because he gives up his materialistic view of the world. After his conversion Augustine wishes to bring all of his closest friends together so that they too can seek God together. Over the course of Augustine's life he gathers friends from Cassiacum all to Africa and places in between. As Augustine and his friends continue their journey Augustine begins to invite others to join him who were not already his friends. During his conversion, he realizes that all Christians are united under God and are called to be 'friends in Christ'. This group Augustine share in that friendship which seeks God together. Augustine’s dream is that one day there is but one Christ loves himself. This idea that Augustine comes up with is shared with his monastic community, for his diocese, for the Church and for the world. Therefore his friendship transcends the monastery. Augustine loves the presence of all of his new found friends he is now ready to part with them in order to be closer to Christ. One of Augustine's closest friends at the time Alypius, who witnessed his conversion in the garden of Milan is called to be a bishop. This means that Augustine will not see him on the daily, but, Augustine is now at ease to part with his friend because he realizes the goal of their friendship as sharing the love of Christ with all people.