Book 1 of Agustine primarily discusses God's importance and knowledge of signs and things. In his prologue, he mentions that people who don’t understand are unwilling to follow his rules and those who find answers but not the ones they are looking for. Agustine often talks about how “Things” are physical, like “logs, stones, sheep, and so on…” while signs represent physical things with meaning. All signs are things, while not all things are signs. Words are the ultimate signs because the text is an interpretation of words. The ending of book 1 sets up that we are supposed to love god and our neighbors.
Book 2 of Agustine primarily deals with signs and scriptures and the nature of the given. Augustine talks about the cannon and its criteria, whether the apostles wrote it, and whether it is historically accurate. He believes that even though most churches may use a text, it must still be proven true. He also talks about how there are churches with more authority and ones with lesser authority, but they should be treated as equals. The Christians get to decide what is in their New Testament.
Overall, the main ideas from Books 1 and 2 of Augustine's "Confessions" are sin, redemption, and self-discovery. Augustine grapples with his inner turmoil, recognizing his faults and seeking forgiveness from God. He reflects on his past mistakes and struggles, acknowledging his weaknesses and imperfections. Through his introspective journey, Augustine understands the importance of faith and the need for spiritual enlightenment. The text profoundly explores the human condition and the quest for salvation, inviting readers to reflect on their beliefs and values.
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