Teaching Augustine: Key Concepts in Confessions, De Doctrina Christiana, and City of God

“Teaching Augustine: Key Concepts in Confessions, De Doctrina Christiana, and City of God,” with Dr. Junius Johnson, invites educators to explore the life and works of one of the most influential figures in Christian thought, Augustine of Hippo. In this course, Dr. Johnson elucidates key passages from Augustine’s Confessions, De Doctrina Christiana, and City of God, showing teachers how to thoughtfully discuss these works with students in a contemporary context. With keen insight, Dr. Johnson expounds on Augustine’s historical background and the relevance of his works in addressing contemporary moral and existential questions ranging from sin and the nature of evil, to conversion obstacles and the proper ordering of love. Participants in this course will deepen their understanding of these texts while also acquiring discussion touchpoints to integrate Augustine’s timeless teachings into their classrooms.

Dr. Junius Johnson, an independent classical scholar of theology, philosophy, and literature, is a popular and engaging instructor featured frequently on ClassicalU.  Drawing on his many years of teaching in diverse settings, Dr. Johnson guides classical educators through Augustine’s intellectual and spiritual struggles and revelations, highlighting the achievements that continue to shape the Christian intellectual tradition today.  This course is ideal for teachers seeking to enrich their students with a deeper appreciation of Augustine’s enduring legacy. 

Junius Johnson is an independent scholar, teacher, musician, and writer. He is the executive director of Junius Johnson Academics, through which he offers innovative classes for both children and adults that aim to marry the sense of wonder with intellectual rigor. An avid devotee of story, he is especially drawn to fantasy, science fiction, and young adult novels. He performs professionally on the french horn and electric bass. He holds a BA from Oral Roberts University (English Lit), an MAR from Yale Divinity School (Historical Theology), and an MA, two MPhils, and a PhD (Philosophical Theology) from Yale University. He is the author of five books, including The Father of Lights: A Theology of Beauty and a book version of his course with ClassicalU, On Teaching Fairy Stories (including a forward by Louis Markos and an additional chapter of content from author). An engaging speaker and teacher, he is a frequent guest contributor to blogs and podcasts on faith and culture, and is a member of The Cultivating Project. To learn more, see Junius Johnson’s book The Father of Lights as well as his live courses “The Father of Lights” and “Wisdom of Possibility”.

To learn more about earning a certificate for this course, please visit “How do I Obtain a Course Certificate?” on our FAQ page. Our course certificates are valued by classical schools and co-ops worldwide, and you can also be on your way to obtaining an elective credit toward a Level 1 certificate with your completion of this course. Teachers certified with either ACSI or ACCS will see continuing education unit (CEU) credits listed on our course certificate for you to submit to either organization (with more information on certification credit here).