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ONLINE CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY The internet and theology
Additional Resources - References
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Online Theology - Augustine on Origin of Writing - Christian Doctrine Origin of Writing
Augustine, Book II, Chapter 4 Read more about Online Theology of Scripture Here.
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But
because words pass away as soon as they strike upon the air, and last no
longer than their sound, men have by means of letters formed signs of
words. Thus the sounds of the voice are made visible to the eye, not of
course as sounds, but by means of certain signs. It has been found
impossible, however, to make those signs common to all nations owing to
the sin of discord among men, which springs from every man trying to
snatch the chief place for himself. And that celebrated tower which was
built to reach to heaven was an indication of this arrogance of spirit;
and the ungodly men concerned in it justly earned the punishment of
having not their minds only, but their tongues besides, thrown into
confusion and discordance.