| Summary: | 碩士 === 台灣神學研究學院 === 神學研究道學碩士班 === 107 === Everyone is a sinner before God! Christianity regards “sin” as the core problem of human existence, and defines it as a central Christian doctrine and belief. Christianity stresses and values “sin” greatly much more than other religions. Christians understanding and interpretation of “sin” reached its peak during the time of the church fathers. Among the church fathers, Augustines interpretation of sin is the most influential. It had a profound impact on latter Christian theologians (including Martin Luther and John Calvin).
Of Augustines many books, Confessions has the most profound and vivid description and treatment of sin. The interesting thing about Confessions is that it is Augustines autobiography. The book plentifully contains Augustine’s memory of how he analyzed the nature and phenomenon of sin. At the same time, it also faithfully depicts his weakness, ignorance, and foolishness before God as a sinner, as well as his sincere confessions.
In this research paper, the author will discuss the interpretation of sin presented in Augustines book Confessions. The main purpose is to examine how Augustine defines the nature of sin, analyze the relationship between sin and human nature, describe the results from sin, and reveal how sinners should repent and turn to God.
Finally, an analysis of Augustines conversion experience, and the key factors to repentance as outlined by Augustine post-conversion, will be related to the contemporary situation that most pastors currently face in their ministry. The author hopes that the result of this study helps those who are struggling with their sins to understand clearly about how God’s grace could be granted to them during the process of their confessions.
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