Illustration from 19th century.
Two previously unknown sermons attributed to St. Augustine — one of Christianity's most influential theologians — have been authenticated, offering scholars fresh insight into the early Christian thinker's theology and revealing ideas not found in his previously known writings.
Dig deeper:
The sermons were identified by Christian Tornau, a Latin professor at the University of Würzburg in Germany, while examining a medieval manuscript copied at Bad Doberan Abbey in what is now Germany during the 12th century. Researchers believe the manuscript was transcribed from an earlier source that has since been lost.
The backstory:
St. Augustine, who lived from A.D. 354 to 430, served as bishop of Hippo Regius in present-day Algeria and is considered one of the most important figures in Christian theology. In announcing the discovery, the University of Würzburg described him as "one of Christianity's most important Church Fathers."
"His extensive body of writings continues to occupy scholars today," the university said.
After nearly two years of research, Tornau is preparing the sermons for publication in a scholarly edition. The project began in 2024, when a representative of the monastery's preservation association asked him to decipher the manuscript.
The newly authenticated sermons examine the Old Testament account of the Witch of Endor, in which King Saul seeks out a medium before his final battle against the Philistines. At Saul's request, the witch summons what appears to be the spirit of the prophet Samuel, who predicts the king's death — a story that raises questions about theodicy, or why an all-powerful God would allow an apparently diabolical act to take place.
What they're saying:
According to Tornau, Augustine's sermons suggest Saul may have repented after hearing Samuel's prophecy and ultimately found redemption.
"The first sermon was preached during a Sunday service and ends by presenting the theodicy question and the possible interpretations," Tornau told university officials.
"Only in the second sermon, delivered the following Wednesday, are the alternatives weighed ... the style, humor, and content also strongly indicate that the sermons preserved in the manuscript really are by Augustine."
Tornau told Fox News Digital that Augustine's suggestion that Saul may have been saved is the "most remarkable element" of the newly discovered sermons.
"This is unparalleled in Augustine and in ancient Christianity in general, where we find a very negative image of Saul," Tornau said. "Augustine suggests it ... and clearly takes it seriously."
He said Augustine may have reached that conclusion independently or may have been influenced by Jewish rabbinic interpretations that portrayed Saul more favorably.
"In any event, it is indicative of Augustine’s [independence] of mind and his willingness to think everyone, even those who appear most evil, [are] capable of salvation through the grace of God," he said.
"This combines intellectual honesty and episcopal humility in a remarkable and very Augustinian way."
Tornau said researchers can "confidently" date the texts to Late Antiquity because they reflect a style of Christian liturgy that would not have existed during the Middle Ages.
"The background is North African, as is clear from the concluding prayer of the first sermon, which is only attested in late-antique Africa," he said.
He added that the author "is familiar with Augustine’s thought and works but does not simply copy them, which would be a sign of inauthenticity."
"After this intense period of reading and interpreting, we came to the conclusion that there are no serious objections to Augustine’s authorship," he said.
Although researchers have been unable to trace the manuscript beyond the 12th century, Tornau said the text itself initially prompted skepticism.
"We were fascinated, of course, by the idea of having found new sermons of Augustine, but soon turned skeptical because [in] some places the sermons did not seem to read like Augustine," he said.
"Our final verdict is that they are indeed authentic."
The Source: FOX News contributed to this report. This story is based on information released by the University of Würzburg in Germany, which announced the authentication of two previously unknown sermons attributed to St. Augustine. This story was reported from Los Angeles.