Podcast Episode 60
Baptism of Augustine
with Dr. Alex Pierce & host Nick Walters
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From Restless Heart to Enduring Faith: Augustine and the Foundations of Christian Thought
Augustine’s restless search for truth changed the course of Christian history—and still shapes how we think about faith, grace, and the human condition today.
In Episode 60 of This Week in Christian History, we turn to one of the most influential thinkers in the history of the Church: Augustine of Hippo. From his dramatic conversion to his enduring theological legacy, Augustine’s life offers a powerful window into the intellectual and spiritual struggles of the late Roman world—and the foundations of Western Christianity.
This episode features a conversation with Nick Walters, founder of the Center for Christian History at Mississippi College, followed by a Deep Dive with subject matter expert Alexander Pierce. Dr. Pierce brings scholarly clarity and depth to Augustine’s story, helping listeners understand why Augustine remains essential reading not only for theologians, but for anyone wrestling with questions of truth, morality, and the nature of God.
Born in North Africa in AD 354, Augustine lived a life marked by ambition, intellectual exploration, and personal struggle before his conversion to Christianity. His famous work, Confessions, remains one of the most widely read spiritual autobiographies in history, offering a candid account of sin, grace, and redemption. His later writings, including The City of God, helped Christians interpret the collapse of the Roman Empire and reframe their understanding of history, politics, and divine providence.
Dr. Pierce guides us through Augustine’s theological contributions, including his views on original sin, grace, and the sovereignty of God—ideas that would profoundly influence both Catholic and Protestant traditions for centuries. Augustine’s legacy can be seen in the writings of reformers, the teachings of the medieval Church, and ongoing debates about free will and divine authority.
In addition to the Deep Dive, this episode highlights two significant moments and places in Christian history that help frame the broader story of the Church across time.
We begin with Father Damien, the 19th-century priest whose ministry to those suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy) on the island of Molokai stands as one of the most powerful examples of sacrificial Christian service. Father Damien’s willingness to live among and ultimately die alongside those he served reflects a lived theology of compassion and incarnation that echoes themes found in Augustine’s own reflections on love and the nature of the Church.
The episode also turns to St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most iconic structures in the Christian world. Built over the traditional burial site of the Apostle Peter, this monumental basilica represents centuries of theological development, artistic achievement, and institutional continuity within the Church. From the early days of Christianity through the height of the Renaissance, St. Peter’s stands as a visible reminder of the Church’s enduring presence in history—an institution Augustine himself helped to shape through his writings and leadership.
Together, these stories—Augustine’s intellectual journey, Father Damien’s sacrificial ministry, and the enduring significance of St. Peter’s Basilica—offer a rich tapestry of Christian history. They remind us that the Church is not only built on ideas, but also on lives lived in faith, service, and devotion.
This Week in Christian History continues to serve as a trusted portal for Christian history, committed to safeguarding and sharing the real story of the Church for both the curious and the committed. Each episode brings together thoughtful conversation, expert insight, and meaningful historical reflection to help listeners engage more deeply with the past and its ongoing impact on the present.
Join us as we explore the life and legacy of Augustine—and consider why his voice still speaks with such clarity and urgency today.
