Confessions by Augustine — BOOK VIII: The Birthpangs of Conversion

1. 1. Augustine visits Simplicianus to seek guidance on his spiritual troubles and the path to conversion.
2. 2. Augustine was still bound by sexual desire and the burden of worldly affairs, despite his certainty of the truth.
3. 3. Simplicianus tells Augustine the story of Victorinus, a famous rhetor who converted to Christianity in old age.
4. 4. Victorinus publicly professed his faith in Christ despite fear of offending his pagan friends, choosing to confess before the congregation.
5. 5. Augustine reflects on the paradox that joy is greater after a period of pain or danger, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son.
6. 6. Augustine describes his internal conflict between two wills: the old carnal will and the new spiritual will.
7. 7. Augustine was held back by the chain of habit, formed by his own will, which made him unable to fully commit to God.
8. 8. Ponticianus tells Augustine and Alypius the story of Antony the Egyptian monk and of two imperial agents who converted after reading the Life of Antony.
9. 9. Augustine, hearing the story, is overwhelmed with shame and self-loathing, realizing he has delayed conversion for twelve years.
10. 10. In the garden, Augustine experiences a violent struggle of will, unable to make the final decision to convert.
11. 11. Augustine argues against the Manichean idea of two opposing natures, explaining that the conflict is within a single soul between different wills.
12. 12. Augustine hears a child's voice chanting 'Pick up and read,' opens the Bible to Romans 13:13-14, and is instantly converted.