Full Bibliographic Information of Source
Augustine, Canning, R., & Ramsey, B. (2006). Instructing beginners in Faith, the Augustine series. (1), 1-121. Web.
Author’s Stated Research Question and Thesis
The main thesis of this book is how to provide relevant instructions to the new converts. According to Augustine, new converts should always be guided and trained on the best approaches to improve their faith. In what the scholar refers to as “de catechizandis rudibus,” he manages to provide comprehensive and brilliant ideas on how young converts can achieve growth in Christianity (Augustine et al., 2006, p. 75). Therefore, he focuses on three main areas of motives, structure, and attitude of the catechist.
Major Argument and Refutations
Augustine (2006) argues that converts came haunted by varied visions and dreams. He states that some of these members are highly learned and earnest, others are arrogant and half-educated, while the rest are humble and illiterate. Augustine believes that the general nature of Christian relies on their motives. He states, “we should say much of his to God rather than saying much of him about God (Augustine et al., 2006, p. 100). He refutes the idea of young converts boasting of themselves except for the glory of God.
Implications of the Research
This research work has a great implication in guiding and training the new converts. Augustine proves to be one of the most powerful coaches on matters related to Christian growth. Through his work, most of the trainers can have an opportunity to show the new members how to improve. The book has a powerful effect on developing the right link between the varied members of the convention.
Critique of the Author’s Work
Even though the book’s author manages to elaborate on the subject sufficiently, Augustine fails to take care of the converts with multiple characteristics. Augustine flops to capture the cases when the convert is learned, humble, and haughty at the same time. The lack of such provision may make the entire proposed method to fail in the long run. Therefore, an alternative suggestion should be provided to help teachers cope with such learners.
Research Questions Raised
Some research questions raised in the paper include: how the new guiding principles will improve the faith and the holistic nature of a person? How effective is the approach on the special converts? Ideally, Augustine has failed to provide the readers with how the methods will improve the convert’s fundamental nature. Therefore, improvements should be made to help in addressing the situation in most of the Christian conventions.
Reference
Augustine, Canning, R., & Ramsey, B. (2006). Instructing beginners in Faith, the Augustine series. (1), 1-121. Web.