• Confessions by Saint Augustine (circa 397-400 AD)

Confessions is an autobiographical work in which Augustine shares his life story, tracing his journey from being an adherent of a rival religious sect and a man with a mistress and many illegitimate children to his conversion to the Roman Catholic faith. The Confessions is Augustine’s most personal work, and gives many insights into the private experiences that helped to shape his theological outlook and his spiritual convictions. The work is in the public domain and can be readily accessed in many different formats.

• The City of God by Saint Augustine (426 AD)

The City of God is a lengthy work of theology in which Augustine expounds his views on such themes as good versus evil, the role of Divine Providence in history and temporal affairs, and the rival religious claims of pagans and other sects. It is considered one of Augustine’s most important works, and had a major influence upon Christianity in the Middle Ages. The work is available in various formats in the public domain.