Confessions

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is theology? Why is theology so important in Christianity (and other religions)? Aside from scripture, where did Christian theologians like Saint Augustine draw their ideas and inspiration?

Teaching Suggestion: Considering that Saint Augustine remains one of the most important early theologians of the Catholic Church, it would make sense to begin with a definition of what theology is and why it is important. Especially with Augustine, it will be crucial to talk about non-religious sources that Christian theologians used, especially ancient philosophical schools such as Neoplatonism. You could discuss how Augustine himself was heavily influenced by the writings of Neoplatonists such as Plotinus, who wrote extensively on the soul and the divine.

• This article from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy discusses the relationship between philosophy and Christian theology and may provide a handy resource to any students not familiar with the teachings of Christianity.
• This video from King’s College London provides a short introduction to the thought of the Neoplatonist philosopher Plotinus.

2. What do you know about the first few centuries of Christianity and the Church? Consider what you may have heard about the origins and composition of the New Testament as well as figures such as the Church Fathers.

Teaching Suggestion: Saint Augustine lived at a turning point in the history of Christianity, being born shortly after the Roman Emperor Constantine I (“the Great”) converted to Christianity, effectively converting the Roman Empire along with him. Augustine is regarded as one of the “Church Fathers,” a group of influential Christian theologians who played a key role in establishing Christian doctrine. Make sure to discuss the origins and rise of the Catholic Church in Rome especially, as well as the growing importance of Christianity in the Roman Empire. It may also be beneficial to discuss other contemporary religious movements (such as Manichaeism) or Christian “heresies.” This question prepares students for the theme The Role of Human Relations for the Devout.

• This website provides a brief and helpful introduction to the Church Fathers and their importance in Christianity.
• This resource from Rhodes College traces Christianity’s evolution from a pagan to a Christian civilization as demonstrated through its coins.  

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

What does confession mean to you? What kinds of transgressions do you think are most important to confess? To whom do you confess? Why do you think confession is so important?

Teaching Suggestion: This orients students to the theme Confessions as a Fundamental Act of Faith. Students do not necessarily need to approach the concept of “confession” from a religious perspective—some students in the class may not come from a Christian background, and those who do may not be practicing. Remind students that even outside of a religious context we feel an impulse to “confess” all the time, whether to family, friends, or even to ourselves. Urge the class to think deeply about the redemptive and therapeutic aspects of confession.