NPNF1-4 Reply to Faustus the Manichaean. Book V

Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers

Ante Nicene Fathers
ANF Vol. I
ANF Vol. II
ANF Vol. III
ANF Vol. IV
ANF Vol. V
ANF Vol. VI
ANF Vol. VII
ANF Vol. VIII
ANF Vol. X

Nicene & Post
Nicene Fathers
Series I
NPNF-1 Vol. I
NPNF-1 Vol. II
NPNF-1 Vol. III
NPNF-1 Vol. IV
NPNF-1 Vol. V
NPNF-1 Vol. VI
NPNF-1 Vol. VII
NPNF-1 Vol. VIII
NPNF-1 Vol. IX
NPNF-1 Vol. X
NPNF-1 Vol. XI
NPNF-1 Vol. XII
NPNF-1 Vol. XIII
NPNF-1 Vol. XIV

Nicene & Post
Nicene Fathers
Series II
NPNF-2 Vol. I
NPNF-2 Vol. II
NPNF-2 Vol. III
NPNF-2 Vol. IV
NPNF-2 Vol. V
NPNF-2 Vol. VI
NPNF-2 Vol. VII
NPNF-2 Vol. VIII
NPNF-2 Vol. IX
NPNF-2 Vol. X
NPNF-2 Vol. XI
NPNF-2 Vol. XII
NPNF-2 Vol. XIII
NPNF-2 Vol. XIV

E. C. Marsh
P.O. Box 342
Saint Ansgar, IA 50472

Faustus claims that the Manichaeans and not the Catholics are consistent believers in the Gospel, and seeks to establish this claim by comparing Manichaean and Catholic obedience to the precepts of the Gospel. Augustin exposes the hypocrisy of the Manichaeans and praises the asceticism of Catholics.

1. Faustus said: Do I believe the gospel? You ask me if I believe it, though my obedience to its commands shows that I do. I should rather ask you if you believe it, since you give no proof of your belief. I have left my father, mother, wife, and children, and all else that the gospel requires;