Two previously unknown sermons attributed to St Augustine have been authenticated by researchers, offering fresh insight into the theology of one of Christianity's most influential Church Fathers.
The discovery was announced by the University of Würzburg in Germany after Latin scholar Professor Christian Tornau identified the sermons in a 12th-century manuscript copied at Bad Doberan Abbey. Researchers believe the manuscript was transcribed from an earlier source that has since been lost.
St Augustine, who lived from AD 354 to 430 and served as Bishop of Hippo in present-day Algeria, is regarded as one of the most significant theologians in Christian history.
The University of Würzburg described him as "one of Christianity's most important Church Fathers", adding: "His extensive body of writings continues to occupy scholars today."
According to Fox News Digital, Tornau spent almost two years studying the manuscript after being asked by a representative of the monastery's preservation association in 2024 to decipher the text. He is now preparing the sermons for publication in a scholarly edition.
The newly authenticated sermons examine the Old Testament account of King Saul and the Witch of Endor, exploring the question of why God would allow what appears to be a demonic act.
"The first sermon was preached during a Sunday service and ends by presenting the theodicy question and the possible interpretations," Tornau said.
"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."
Among the most significant findings is Augustine's suggestion that Saul may have repented after hearing Samuel's prophecy and ultimately found redemption.
Tornau described this as 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," he 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 favourably.
"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 the manuscript's liturgical features strongly point to a Late Antiquity origin rather than the medieval period.
"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."
Although the discovery initially prompted scepticism, Tornau said the evidence ultimately convinced the research team that the sermons were genuine.
"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."
