On Christian Doctrine: The Enchiridion

Summary

The Enchiridion, or as it is sometimes titled, Faith, Hope, and Love, is a short treatise on Christian piety, written in response to a request soon after the death of St. Jerome in 420. The essay was meant to serve as a model for Christian instruction (catechesis).  As the title suggests, the treatise is organized around faith, hope, and love, the three graces necessary for the Christian worship of God. For the topic of faith, Augustine makes use of the Apostles' Creed, both to teach doctrine and to refute heresies. For hope, he expounds on the Lord's Prayer as a perfect example of Christian prayer. The final section is on Christian love.

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