Q&A: Confessions
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Confessions
Question
Hello Rabbi, is it permitted to read Augustine's Confessions? In the sense that it comes from a Christian point of view, and a lot of his religious outlook is expressed in the book.
Answer
In my personal opinion, yes. It is permitted to read any book that adds to your conceptions and understanding of the world and helps build your thinking. That is unlike a book of preaching, whose purpose is to proselytize and not to teach.
Discussion on Answer
That isn't really a professional question but a matter of taste. There are interesting things in it, but I don't think I would recommend investing the time to read it from cover to cover.
Does the Rabbi recommend the book? On the professional/literary level..