The Armchair Series
Written by experts but designed for the novice, the Armchair series provides accurate, concise, and witty overviews of some of the most profound moments and theologians in Christian history. These books are essential supplements for first-time encounters with primary texts, lucid refreshers for scholars and clergy, and enjoyable reads for the theologically curious.
The author provides an overview of the greatest theologian of the early church: Augustine of Hippo (354–430). Augustine has had a towering influence in the history of Christianity and his Confessions has long been regarded as one of Christianity's classic texts. Cooper introduces the life and thought of Augustine through discussing the Confessions and shows how many of Augustine's human struggles are still with us today. He also examines the theological views of Augustine that emerged through the important controversies of his times. By focusing on the Confessions, Cooper takes us through Augustine's journey as we see him losing his way and then finding it again by the grace of God. Augustine shows us what it means to be from God, to be oriented to God, and then brought to God by God. The illustrations throughout the volume enhance this presentation and memorably convey the issues Augustine addresses.