On Christian Teaching (On Christian Doctrine)

"On Christian Teaching" or "On Christian Doctrine" is a classic religious exposition by Saint Augustine of Hippo which includes four books that discuss how to interpret and teach the Holy Scriptures. This work is a basic outgrowth of Augustine's early frustrations with interpreting the Scriptures. In interpreting the Scriptures one must decide whether a literal or an allegorical interpretation is most appropriate and Augustine discusses this matter extensively in an effort to help Christian teachers and preachers to discover the truth in the contents of the Scriptures, to teach the truth from the Scriptures, and to defend scriptural truth when it was attacked. This important religious work written around the turn of the 5th century is a must read for all who wish to gain a greater confidence in interpreting Holy Christian Scripture and overcoming the difficulties that lie therein.