Augustine: The Truth Seeker (Trail Blazers)
Trailblazers Series
on Goodreads (38)
What’s inside...
Augustine initially rejected Christianity, but after a transformative encounter with God, he embraced the faith and became an influential Christian teacher. Despite his mother's devout faith, Augustine led a sinful life until he discovered the truth of the Gospel. He later became a bishop and a pillar of faith in the early church. His life offers insight into Roman Africa and demonstrates the resilience and wisdom of God's Word in a pagan culture.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-14
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Augustine
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Augustine to seek the truth?
How did Augustine's journey change his views on right and wrong?
In what ways do you think seeking the truth can be challenging?
Do you think Augustine's discoveries can be applied to our lives today? How?
What would you have done differently if you were in Augustine's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the concept of truth and how it shapes our decisions. Discuss why truth is important in our daily lives.
Explore the challenges Augustine faced and relate them to modern-day scenarios your child might encounter, fostering a connection between the historical context and their own experiences.
Guide your child to consider the moral implications of Augustine's choices, encouraging empathetic understanding and ethical reasoning.
Prompt your child to think about how they can apply the lessons learned from Augustine's journey to their own life, reinforcing the practical applications of historical events.
Maintain an open environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions, validating their feelings and fostering a deeper understanding of the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in Pursuit of Knowledge
Explanation: The book portrays Augustine's relentless quest for truth and understanding, illustrating his journey from a curious young thinker to a profound philosopher and theologian.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to stay curious and persistent in their educational pursuits, understanding that learning is a lifelong journey.
Example Lesson: Transformation Through Reflection
Explanation: Augustine's story highlights his transformation through self-reflection and acknowledgment of past mistakes, leading to significant personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of self-reflection and owning up to mistakes as essential steps for personal development and integrity.
Example Lesson: The Value of Faith
Explanation: The narrative captures Augustine's eventual embrace of Christianity which guides him towards a path of peace and understanding, showing the impact of faith in one's life.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate and respect different faiths and beliefs, understanding that faith can be a guiding force in life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Mentorship
Explanation: Augustine's relationship with Ambrose, a bishop who became his mentor, underscores the role of guidance and wisdom from more experienced individuals.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to seek advice and learn from parents, teachers, and mentors, recognizing the value of wisdom passed down through generations.
Example Lesson: Courage to Change
Explanation: The book illustrates Augustine's courageous decision to convert to Christianity, despite the challenges and opposition he faced.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of standing by their choices and beliefs, even when faced with adversity, fostering a sense of bravery and resilience.