 So exactly what kind of book is this? The confessions could be called the first spiritual autobiography of the Christian tradition. Because of this book, the facts of Augustine's early years are better known than those of any other ancient historical figure. Why is it called confessions? The word confession appears to have multiple meanings here. Augustine was confessing to God his sins, certainly, and that was an extraordinary and humble thing for a 4th century bishop to do publicly, but Augustine was also confessing in the sense of a confession of faith. He was acknowledging the great dealings of God in his life, and the magnificence of God's attributes, thanksgiving and praise for his love and mercy, his knowledge and wisdom, his power and faithfulness, his eternity and transcendent glory.