Modern English edition · 395 AD
On Lying
Augustine's careful examination of what constitutes a lie and whether lying is ever permissible. A foundational text in Christian ethics on truthfulness.
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About this book
On Lying (De Mendacio) is Augustine's systematic examination of lying, written around 395 AD. Augustine undertakes to define precisely what constitutes a lie, examine whether any circumstances justify lying, and establish principles for truthful living. This work became foundational for subsequent Christian ethics regarding honesty and deception.
Augustine begins by carefully defining lying. A lie is not simply saying what is false—one might say something false believing it true. Rather, lying involves intentional deception: saying what one believes to be false with intent to deceive. This definition allows Augustine to distinguish lies from errors, jokes, and other speech that might involve false statements without intent to deceive.
The work systematically examines various types of lies, from harmful lies to "helpful" lies told to protect others. Augustine considers whether lying to save someone's life might be justified, whether lies in jest are truly lies, and whether concealing truth is equivalent to lying. His analysis is remarkably thorough.
Augustine's conclusion is strict: lying is never permissible. Even lies told with good intentions remain sins. The end does not justify the means. Those who lie to protect others from harm still sin, even if their sin is less grievous than malicious lying. Christians must trust God to protect them rather than resort to deception.
The treatise addresses difficult cases that seem to challenge absolute truthfulness. What about biblical figures who apparently lied? What about protecting the innocent from murderers? Augustine engages these challenges seriously, sometimes distinguishing types of speech or arguing that apparent biblical lies were not actually lies.
For modern readers, Augustine's rigorous analysis remains challenging. His absolute prohibition of lying strikes many as unrealistic or even dangerous. Yet his careful definitions, systematic reasoning, and integration of ethics with trust in God's providence deserve serious engagement. Anyone thinking through the ethics of truthfulness must grapple with Augustine.
About the author
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) was one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in Christian history. Born in Roman North Africa, he pursued a career in rhetoric while experimenting with Manichaeism and later Neoplatonism. His dramatic conversion to Christianity in 386 AD, narrated in his Confessions, followed his encounter with Ambrose of Milan. As Bishop of Hippo from 395 until his death, Augustine produced an enormous body of work addressing theology, philosophy, and ethics. His City of God shaped medieval political thought, while his anti-Pelagian writings established the doctrine of grace that influenced both Catholic and Protestant theology. Augustine's combination of philosophical sophistication and pastoral concern makes his works perennially valuable.
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