Review of St Augustine's Sin

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Gavice Victoria
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Review of St Augustine's Sin

Post by Gavice Victoria »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "St Augustine's Sin" by Joe Baker.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Statistics of clerical child sexual abuse (cCSA) have continued to increase over the years. As reported by the UK Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), "more than 100 allegations of cCSA have been reported each year since 2016." So the big question is: could Augustine's teachings on infantile guilt and culpability be what is influencing how the clergy feels about children?

St. Augustine's Sin: Why Child Abuse Bedevils Christianity by Joseph Baker is a book about how British children are taught religion in schools. It focuses on the teachings of Catholics and the Church of England and how this makes children chastise themselves for being sinful and encourages self-blame. In addition, this book carefully analyzed Augustine of Hippo's fourth-century teaching about infants being born with original sin and how it had fostered a negative mindset in people. The author elucidates how Augustinian indoctrination has impacted his life and the lives of others. He recounts his own childhood experience and tells that of others.

This book has some positive aspects that I noted. First, it is well-researched, and sources were referenced. This is one of the best aspects of this book for me because it gives readers further reading material. This book trashes the religious notion that infants are born with original sin and fosters the scientific view of the matter. This book demonstrates how the way some schools teach Religious Education (RE) can harm impressionable and imaginative kids. Finally, Joseph Baker links Augustine's teaching with the rise of cCSA. You will definitely have to read this book to find out his opinions on this matter, as I wouldn't want to spill out all the juice.

I have to warn readers about some of the contents of this book. To the best of my knowledge, the original sin for which Christians baptize is the sin of disobedience by Adam and Eve, but the author says that the original sin is Augustine's mark of guilt for concupiscence (sexual lust). This was him analyzing what Augustine of Hippo wrote. Apart from this, the author writes about Christianity, focusing on the Catholic church and the Church of England from an offended point of view. Hence, I think religious people, especially Christians, might find this book unsuitable. However, I will recommend this book to free thinkers and new agers. This book describes sodomy, pederasty, and pedophilia not graphically but informatively. But I had to give a disclaimer for readers sensitive to these topics.


While reading this book, I learned and relearned a lot of things. If I am being truthful, some of the things in this book do not sit well with me and my beliefs, but that is on a personal level. The book in itself is the outpouring of the author's heart based on his past experiences and because he sees how the same things will affect future generations. The author presented his arguments with proof and analyzed them to the best of his knowledge, feelings, and experience. Therefore, I will rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book was also exceptionally well edited, as I did not encounter any errors.

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St Augustine's Sin
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O-Brian
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Post by O-Brian »

I think people are born of sin and are therefore sinful, yet I am interested to see the author's thoughts about it. I am not sure whether I lusted after a woman or disobeyed my parents first (I am thinking the latter). Anyway, it is intriguing what makes the author angry about the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
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Post by FunkyFlowerLady »

A very polarising take indeed, thank you for reviewing this book. You have presented the gist and the pros cons in a very well structured manner.
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Post by Thandie Dzundi »

Well written review. As someone learning how to do reviews this has been really helpful!
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Post by Stephanie Cameron »

This book touches on some deep issues within the world. It seems like it would be insightful to learning of the catholic and English churches. Nice neutral review. Thanks.
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Gavice Victoria
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Post by Gavice Victoria »

FunkyFlowerLady wrote: 25 Oct 2022, 02:37 A very polarising take indeed, thank you for reviewing this book. You have presented the gist and the pros cons in a very well structured manner.
Thank you so much for your nice words. Thank you for taking your time to read my review and for leaving a comment afterwards. I really appreciate.
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Post by Larabs Josh »

This is a very interesting book that touched on a delicate and sensitive issue in society. I enjoyed reading your review though.
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Post by E Daves »

From this review, I have a glimpse of the message the author is trying to pass in St. Augustine's Sin: Why Child Abuse Bedevils Christianity. The book however contains some topics that I am sensitive to. I appreciate you for pointing it out in this review.
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Amandaruth Ama
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Post by Amandaruth Ama »

This book sounds like a book that will bring controversial ideas to my beliefs. I understand the author's point in canvasing for a more liberal teaching for kids. However, I think I will pass on this one. I love your review!
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Post by nmeso-machi »

This is not my kind of book but I'm totally in love with this honest review and I'm curious to know more about the book.
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Post by Mozi Ken »

I do know that sexual child abuse is bad, and any cleric that does that should be dealt with. What is this St Augustine's teaching about? Good review.
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Post by Oyedeji Funmilayo »

Sometimes I just imagine what the earth would have been without religion. The evil perpetrated by religious leaders and misconceptions of the scripture is higher. But, I don't agree with the author with how he raised his points. Your review is detailed. Welldone!!!
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Post by Kenneth Onyenwe »

St Augustine's Sin by Joe Baker discussed the Christian teaching of Augustine on infantile guilt and culpability and its impact on children.
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Gavice Victoria
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Post by Gavice Victoria »

Mozi Ken wrote: 01 Nov 2022, 07:39 I do know that sexual child abuse is bad, and any cleric that does that should be dealt with. What is this St Augustine's teaching about? Good review.
St. Augustine of Hippo had written a book called Confessions. The Catholic church and the Church of England uses this book for teaching and their faith is based on most things in the book. According to the author of this book I reviewed, the things in St. Augustine's book depicts his personal struggle with his sinful nature. You can read this book to learn more.
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Gavice Victoria
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Post by Gavice Victoria »

Oyedeji Funmilayo wrote: 01 Nov 2022, 07:44 Sometimes I just imagine what the earth would have been without religion. The evil perpetrated by religious leaders and misconceptions of the scripture is higher. But, I don't agree with the author with how he raised his points. Your review is detailed. Welldone!!!
What we will have to understand is that evil is everywhere. The evil one has penetrated the church, government, family, etc. There is no perfect religion either. We should try to filter out the bad ones especially those that does not promote the well being of people. Religion is supposed to be for humans, and not against.
Thank you for taking time to read my review.
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