Life and Practice in the Early Church by Steven A. McKinion

Author:Steven A. McKinion
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: New York University Press
Published: 2001-05-14T16:00:00+00:00

Augustine of Hippo (354–430)

Catechizing the Uninstructed

Writing in fifth-century North Africa, Augustine provided instruction for preaching in the church. An apparent problem the preacher faced was the audience’s losing interest in the message. Augustine suggested that the preacher might try to insert a comment into his message to recapture the attention of the listeners. He warned that an attention-getting remark was not to distract from the overall direction of the sermon.

He also comments about some churches “across the sea” having seats for the attendants. This reference to practice on the other side of the Mediterranean from Augustine’s North Africa demonstrates the diversity among congregations with regard to standing in worship services. Whereas in most places the congregation stood, there were places where seating was available. Augustine made allowance for those who grew tired from standing to be seated in his church.

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