Saint Augustine

Influential Christian theologian

Ancient influential 52 sayings

Sayings by Saint Augustine

The earthly [city] has made for herself, according to her heart's desire, false gods out of any sources at all, even out of human beings, that she might adore them with sacrifices. The heavenly one, on the other hand, living like a wayfarer in this world, makes no false gods for herself. On the contrary, she herself is made by the true God that she may be herself a true sacrifice to Him.

c. 413-426 AD — The City of God Against the Pagans
Controversial Unverifiable

For thus far also, 'The wife hath not power of her own body, but the man: in like manner also the man hath not power of his own body, but the woman.' That that also, which, not for the begetting of children, but for weakness and incontinence, either he seeks of marriage, or she of her husband, they deny not the one or the other; lest by this they fall into damnable seductions, through temptation of Satan, by reason of incontinence either of both, or of whichever of them.

c. 401 AD — On Marriage, Section 6
Controversial Unverifiable

Husband and wife receive command and pattern how they ought to be one with another. The command is, 'Let wives be subject unto their own husbands, as unto the Lord; because the husband is the head of the wife;' and, 'Husbands, love your wives.'

c. 395 AD — On Continence, Section 23
Controversial Unverifiable

If Adam and Eve had not sinned, God might have created children for them without the need of intercourse.

c. 413-426 AD — The City of God Against the Pagans, discussing procreation in Paradise
Controversial Unverifiable

Having children is the only worthy fruit of sexual intercourse.

c. 401 AD — On the Good of Marriage
Controversial Unverifiable

Sexual abstinence, to avoid lust, is rare among married partners.

c. 400-430 AD — Writings on marriage and celibacy
Controversial Unverifiable

For whenever unbaptized persons die confessing Christ, this confession is of the same efficacy for the remission of sins as if they were washed in the sacred font of baptism.

c. 400 AD — On Baptism, Against the Donatists
Controversial Unverifiable

The human nature, which first existed, is praised by these men as being so far less tainted with evil manners?

c. 418 AD — On the Grace of Christ and On Original Sin, criticizing Pelagian views of human nature
Controversial Unverifiable

Our nature became corrupted and ruined; and nothing but God's grace alone, through Him who is the Mediator between God and men, and our Almighty Physician, succours it.

c. 418 AD — On the Grace of Christ and on Original Sin
Controversial Unverifiable

Women should not be enlightened or educated in any way. They should, in fact, be segregated as they are the cause of hideous and involuntary erections in holy men.

Approx. 401 AD — From 'The Literal Meaning of Genesis'
Controversial Unverifiable

The woman herself alone is not the image of God; whereas the man alone is the image of God as fully and completely as when the woman is joined with him.

Approx. 420 AD — From 'On the Trinity'
Controversial Unverifiable

There is no possible source of evil except good.

Approx. 420 AD — From 'Enchiridion'
Controversial Unverifiable