City of God, Book 13: Better than Adam ever was

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

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

Christian, Don’t Use the Truth to Lie

The other day I caught Luke eating chips up in Caleb's room, in his bed no less (Caleb isn't home currently). I said, "Didn't I just hear your mom tell you not to eat chips upstairs?" In typical teenage fashion he replied, "Mom told me not to eat chips in my room. I'm in Caleb's … Continue reading Christian, Don’t Use the Truth to Lie

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

Idolatry of State [America]

One might think that idolatry would be an easy sin to identify. Do you have any little statues (or big ones I guess) you pray to or worship or pour out libations too (like Jobu in Major League). No. Good, then you are not an idolator. But I think idolatry is notoriously difficult to pinpoint. … Continue reading Idolatry of State [America]