Augustine and Hermes Trismegistus an inquiry into the spirituality of Augustine's 'hidden years'
ABSTRACTThis paper draws attention to the possible role of Hermetic writings in the spiritual development of Augustine (354 430) It first places his knowledge of Hermetica within the context of both 'orthodox' African Christianity (Tertullian, Cyprian, Arnobius, Lactantius) and contemporary Manichaeism. It then focuses on his dealing with Hermetic writings, ideas and expressions in writings such as the Confessions, the (now lost) The Beautiful and the Harmonious, and Against Faustus. In Augustine's later writing the City of God, one finds a twofold appreciation of Hermes, which had a particular influence in subsequent centuries.