On the Road with Saint Augustine: A Real-World Spirituality for Restless Hearts

Briefly, James K.A. Smith's "On the Road with Saint Augustine" takes the reader on a journey with Augustine, but also Camus, Heidegger, and a few others. In fact, the table of contents is graphed out like a map with waypoints, where each chapter is a waypoint. The trek takes us through the concept of being on the road, along with other topics such as sex, ambition, mothers, friendship, justice, fathers and more.Through the book's travelogue, one learns more about the author. How he specialized in Augustine for his PhD studies, even attending an Augustinian academy, Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Other details surface, such as his physical travels through Europe, visiting shrines and important locations. And more intimate details come forth about his family of origin and family by marriage.But one also learns more about Augustine, much of which will be familiar to readers of the "Confessions." While nuances are brought out that add more color, shading, and detail. Having read the "Confessions" a number of times, I was happy with the routine rehearsals, and intrigued by Smith's additions that confirmed some suspicions, as well as those that added to my perception of Augustine the man and Bishop.And, I think, a reader will appreciate the internal expedition Smith and Augustine will lead them on. Not only as they examine the art work in the book the author references, but more, the self-reflection and contemplation that the book will evoke. For example, the chapter on "Friendship" is worth several rereads, as on think about their friends, and what it means for oneself to be a friend. Savory stuff cooking in those pages.For me, beyond the chapter on friendship, the chapter on "Mothers" and the one on "Fathers" gave me quite the pause. Regarding mothers, Smith observes, "Fathers you can leave, but the reach of mothers transcends geography and chronology. Leaving home and growing up never seems enough. Independence is the affront mothers cannot countenance" (107). He then hikes on down the road taking turns I was not prepared for, but that gave me some important food for thought. Later, while describing fathers, Smith touched my heart in a unique way, as he shows "that most human of hungers: for a father who sees and knows me" (202). There were some personal considerations I had to engage in while shuffling through those pages."On the Road with Saint Augustine" was a volume I walked through slowly. It just didn't seem right to race through it. I thought of people, conversations, and experiences, as I ambled along the trail. It may well be that as you take up, and read, you will suddenly recognize the journey you have really been on, and that home is unreachable. That the only way to get there from here, is when God says, "I'll come get you" (154). I highly recommend the book.

God brought me here without me, but I will not be saved without me.This is a modified quote of St Augustine’s. I thank God I came across it early this year and have become a new happy person thanks to a major growth in my Faith and God’s Grace in my life.I am a baptized Catholic who called himself a Catholic and has always prayed a lot. However, I have not been especially close to my Faith.That all changed this year and I now feel great studying scripture and praying rosary with small group before daily mass. My Faith and having a church home have renewed and filled my life.I cannot remember how I came across this book. It had to be mentioned in one of my email subscriptions.I am retired corporate executive who only reads business and news articles/analysis. When I did read books, they were all personal development. I worshipped the Law of Attraction (LOA) for quite a while and still like focusing my thoughts and visualization.I am so happy now I realize that “home is found beyond myself, that Jesus is the way, that the cross is a raft in the storm-tossed sea called the world”. LOA is still a tool but clearly not the answer.This is not an easy read for a person who has not read a book of any kind in years. At first, I was turned off by the name-dropping but then fell in love with both the historical references and then the contemporary references.If you are like me, successful, “fueled by ambition” and confident you can figure it out by yourself, you may want to think twice. Maybe St Augustine can help you turn life over to God and prayer.I must admit I was a believer before I read this book, but it not only clarified a lot for me, it also further convinced me the road I am on is a good one. I pray it does the same for you.

Point: Augustine has gone before us, one pilgrim among many, who is able to show us a better way through the journey of life. He has asked the same questions, struggled with the same doubts, and battled the same demons. However, he has found his way home. Or rather, he has been brought home.Path: Smith demonstrates how Augustine has influenced the philosophers of the past and present, showing us how those who have been challenged by Augustine have either leaned in to listen, or set off on their own into the dark night. By setting this interaction between postmodern philosophers and a pre-modern theologian, Smith highlights the recurring nature of life’s driving questions, and therefore his application for our own lives. Then placing these discussions in the unifying metaphor of a journey, a pilgrimage or road trip, we are drawn in to ask the same questions.Sources: Smith cites an eclectic array of sources such as ancient theologians, postmodern philosophers, oldies music, AA attendees, and 21st century films.Agreement: There were chapters where I felt he was speaking my heart. I battled to not highlight the entire text. There were others where I was perplexed and frustrated. I found his initial chapters to be much more challenging and slowly lost interest as we moved through. I expect that others would have the reverse experience given their own past.Personal App: “This world is not my home”, but am I saying that because I have given up on there being anything greater, or because I am being drawn home?Favorite Quote:“The Christian isn’t just a pilgrim but a refugee, a migrant in search of refuge. The Christian life isn’t just a pilgrimage but a journey of emigration. Augustine, in his writings, would often use the Latin word peregrinatio to speak of the Christian life, and most translations of his work render the cognates of peregrinatio in terms of pilgrimage. But that doesn’t quite fit the journey Augustine is describing. Pilgrimage often has an Odyssean itinerary: a journey to a holy site only to later return home. This mimics the Neoplatonic journey of the soul “returning” to the One. But Augustine’s peregrinus isn’t on a return journey; he is setting out, like Abraham, for a place he’s never been.36 We are not just pilgrims on a sacred march to a religious site; we are migrants, strangers, resident aliens en route to a patria, a homeland we’ve never been to. God is the country we’re looking for, “that place where true consolation of our migration is found.”37” (Location: 1,039)

This book is dense and filled with wisdom. It’s a great read. I read it slowly, in chunks at a time, as I wanted to take as much in as possible. Highly recommended.

Muy buen ensayo sobre las confesiones de San Agustín. Muy bien escrito. Lo recomiendo mucho, especialmente a los jóvenes que se quieran acercar a la espiritualidad

Came across the book via a podcast interview of the author. Very impressed by the book. Rich and deep in content, nevertheless fascinating to read. Cross-over between biography, self-help , philosophy and very reflected Christian book with autobiographical elements.

I enjoyed this book, some stages it meanders much the same way I suspect journeying on a pilgrimage would as well - but it is food for the soul and formative for the heart. Smith yet again provides deep food for thought and fuel for discipleship in the way of Christ.

This is such a timeless book that touches on many important undercurrents that are pulling our culture along. Smith shows us that Augustine is not just a historical figure, but is a guide for the current journey we are on and knows where the journey leads. Highflying recommend this work!