On Baptism

Augustine's On Baptism (De baptismo contra Donatistas) is a significant work addressing the Donatist controversy in North Africa. The Donatists believed that the validity of sacraments, including baptism, depended on the worthiness of the minister. Augustine, however, argued for a universal church, asserting that sacraments derive their validity from Christ, not the minister. This work is crucial for understanding the relationship between church and state, as Augustine advocated for their mutual support to achieve their ends. The debate over baptism's validity and the nature of the church was a central theological and social issue in early Christianity.123