Discovery of Authentic Sermons by Augustine of Hippo
A major scholarly breakthrough was announced on June 25, 2023, concerning the discovery of genuine sermons attributed to Augustine of Hippo, dating back to the 12th century. These texts were preserved in a manuscript originally belonging to the German abbey of Bad Doberan, and were identified by Professor Christian Tornau from the University of Würzburg and Dr. Clemens Weidmann. The sermons focus on the biblical episode of King Saul and the Witch of Endor, which also mentions the spirit of the prophet Samuel.
Significance of the Find
The Latin texts uncovered by the researchers are authentic orations delivered by the Bishop of Hippo, known as Saint Augustine, who lived from 354 to 430 CE. The first part of the sermon was given by Augustine on a Sunday, and he returned to offer detailed arguments and conclusions the following Wednesday. Notably, the Pelplin manuscript is a copy of an older text that was once housed at the Amelungsborn Abbey in Lower Saxony. The original library of that abbey was completely destroyed by fire during the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century.
Confirmation of the discovery took place at an international congress in Vienna, attended by twenty leading Latin scholars. Researchers are already working on the first critical edition of the recovered sermons, which is scheduled for publication by the end of 2026. This find holds great importance for the study of Christian history and the writings of Saint Augustine.
This discovery represents a significant step forward in the research of Christian thought and literature. - unknown author
The study of these new texts may shed light on the religious practices and ideas of that era, and also help to better understand the context in which this eminent theologian lived and worked. The critical edition planned for 2026 is expected to become a vital resource for scholars and students of Christian history.