Augustine of Hippo Biography Your Kids Will Connect With

Looking for an Augustine of Hippo biography for kids? St Augustine is a figure you’ll want your kids to know as they learn about the history of the faith.

I’d like to thank Christian Focus Publications for giving me a copy of Augustine: The Truth Seeker by K.C. Murdarasi in return for my honest review.

Augustine of Hippo

It’s difficult to study Christian history, theology, or the history of western civilization in general without coming across the name of (St) Augustine of Hippo.

In fact, when I took an introductory course in the history of the Christian Church in college, Augustine of Hippo’s Confessions was the first book we read. I certainly would have benefited from a deeper understanding of the man’s story and importance before I undertook a reading of his work.

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Augustine of Hippo Biography

Augustine: The Truth Seeker by K. C. Murdarasi (who holds a masters in Ancient History and is a retired missionary) is a wonderfully interesting version of Augustine’s life story.

Ms. Murdarasi has done a wonderful job of bringing Augustine to life for middle grade kids, and allowing them to become acquainted with an important figure in Church history. Her story added details and fleshed out my own understanding of Augustine’s life, his spiritual journey, and his relationship with his mother Monica.

This fabulous Augustine of Hippo biography came out the year before the boys and I were scheduled to study history (again) from Creation until the Fall of Rome in 476AD. It was perfect timing.

I love that Christian Focus has been adding some of the Church Fathers to their ever-growing line of books.

Augustine of Hippo Facts

One thing to be aware of in the story of Augustine of Hippo (because I don’t want you to be caught unaware), is that the man was a philanderer. He was saved later in life–after affairs, an illegitimate son, and a common law “wife” (who he abandoned in pursuit of his own societal advancement).

It shouldn’t be a surprise to any of us (including our children) that without the new heart Christ gives us, we’re lost in a morass of deadly sin. Such was Augustine of Hippo.

Ms. Murdarasi was not graphic in her description of Augustine of Hippo’s adultery, but she didn’t pull any punches, either, by hiding the truth.

Because The Truth Seeker is narrative, we see the storyline from the perspective of Augustine of Hippo himself. This means that it takes a while for us to come to the point where he recognizes his own sexual sin. For that reason, I plan to read this story aloud to my children. That gives me the opportunity to discuss it with them as we read. For me, that’s the perfect (natural) way to help develop a biblical worldview–by applying Scripture to real life and history.

All that said, Augustine of Hippo’s conversion is made all the more spectacular because of his affairs and active participation in the cult of Manichaeism.

We see a true change in his heart and life as he is called to walk with Christ in a life of self-sacrifice and devotion to God.

When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther for your teens.

Augustine: The Truth Seeker coordinates well with studies involving

Ancient History
The Early Church
Manichean Beliefs
The Donatists
The Roman Empire
The Fall of the Roman Empire

I love Christian Focus’ Trailblazer series. Currently, the series has 62 books! That’s enough to keep your middle grade child reading great, God-honoring, character-growing material for a long time.