Book 13 is given to the topic of man's mortality and the nature of death. Augustine dissects the difference between angels and men, "The condition of human being was such that if they continued in perfect obedience they would be granted the immortality of the angels and an eternity of bliss, without the interposition of … Continue reading City of God, Book 13: Better than Adam ever was
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City of God, Book 12: Good and Bad Angels
Augustine continues a discussion of a topic we rarely consider - the nature, creation, and destiny of the angels, good and bad angels. The two cities which find their origin in man can already be seen, Augustine posits, in the angels. Good and bad angels did not have a different source, creation or nature, but … Continue reading City of God, Book 12: Good and Bad Angels
City of God, Book 11: God’s Good Creation
Book 11 starts Part II of Augustine's City of God. Here the author sets out to describe the origins and the ends of the two cities - the City of God and the earthly city. The City of God is a glorious, eternal City that cannot be shaken, founded on the love of God. Those … Continue reading City of God, Book 11: God’s Good Creation
City of God, Book 10: Demon’s Pride
In Book Ten, Augustine continues pressing the Platonist to acknowledge their inconsistency, especially as it relates to the worship of gods/demons. The Platonist recognize that "the soul of man, though immortal and rational (or intellectual), cannot attain happiness except by participation in light of God, the creator of the soul and the whole world." And … Continue reading City of God, Book 10: Demon’s Pride
City of God, Book 9: Demon Go-Betweens
Book Nine was short, but fairly tedious. In these thirty pages Augustine debates the nature of demons, who are believed to serve as intermediaries between men and the gods. Most in Augustine's day believed there were good and bad demons, and Augustine explores, then refutes, this notion, along with the belief that demons can serve … Continue reading City of God, Book 9: Demon Go-Betweens
God Entranced 