The best translation of St. Augustine’s Confessions depends on your goals—literary beauty, philosophical clarity, or theological accuracy. Here are the top contenders, with context for choosing:

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1. Sarah Ruden (2017) – Modern, Literary, Accessible

Very readable, poetic, and emotionally powerful

Stays close to the rhetorical and performative style of Augustine

Great for first-time readers or those wanting an emotional connection

Less technical in theological terms

> Recommended if you want a beautiful, modern rendering that reads like literature.
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2. Henry Chadwick (Oxford, 1991) – Balanced, Scholarly, Clear

Elegant and precise

Accompanied by excellent introduction and notes

Good blend of faithful translation and readability

A little more academic in tone than Ruden

> Great for students, philosophers, or those interested in deeper context.
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3. F. J. Sheed (1942, updated 2006) – Classic Catholic, Theological Depth

Reverent and theologically rich

Deep sensitivity to Augustine’s Catholic worldview

Still quite readable despite age

Slightly older English and sometimes flowery

> Best for readers with a Catholic background or interest in theology.
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4. E. B. Pusey (1838) – Public Domain, Archaic English

Free and widely available

Reads like the King James Bible—dated and dense

Harder for modern readers

> Only recommended for historical curiosity or comparison.
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Overall Best Choice

For most modern readers:
Sarah Ruden (2017) – for literary grace and accessibility
Henry Chadwick (1991) – for scholarly depth and clarity

Let me know if you’d like a comparison of how a specific passage reads across versions.

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what is the best translation of st. augustine's confessions?