On Christian Doctrine

Augustine’s authorial voice is a prominent feature of On Christian Doctrine. Augustine wishes to speak with authority, and in doing so he does not shy away from offering firm opinions and rebuttals to those he believes may disagree with, or criticize, his views: as he writes in his Preface, “It is out of my power to open men’s eyes that they may see either the fact that I am pointing, or the object at which I point” (22). Augustine is content to make himself a real presence in his work and sometimes offers insights into his own background and experiences to elaborate on his themes. For example, by mentioning his own background as a former teacher of rhetoric in Book 4, Augustine establishes his authority in these matters when offering advice on public speaking; he also uses an example of one of his own successful public speeches to illustrate how an orator can move his audience through touching their emotions (399-400). In writing in such a personable yet authoritative style, Augustine seeks to establish a connection with his reader and reinforce his credentials in addressing various issues.