Book Five is the most theological so far, covering ground I am more familiar with (more familiar than Roman history and myth). It is Augustine's goal to demonstrate that Rome's expansion was due to God's plan and give some insight into why God allowed the Roman Empire to conquer and grow. Augustine states in unequivocally … Continue reading City of God, Book 5: Fate?
Augustine
City of God, Book 4: Rome’s Silly Gods
Throughout Books One to Three, Augustine has demonstrated that the Roman gods were no true protectors of the city - not from internal rot and not from external threats. In Book Four Augustine pulls at the disorganized threads of Roman religion until it unravels and the folly of paganism is laid bare. In Book Three, … Continue reading City of God, Book 4: Rome’s Silly Gods
City of God, Book 3: Who’s to Blame?
Book Two of Augustine's City of God was mostly focused on the moral degradation the gods had allowed/condoned/promoted within Rome. It was about Rome's internal decay. At the beginning of Book Three, Augustine acknowledges that his opponents may not really care about those moral calamities, so he switches gears and takes up "those ills which … Continue reading City of God, Book 3: Who’s to Blame?
City of God, Book 2: Rome Deserved It!
In Book 2, Augustine continues his defense of Christianity against the claim that it is responsible for the sacking of Rome. In Book 1 he asserted that it was due to the barbarians regard for Christ's name that so many were shown mercy - the Goth's did not drag people who had sought refuge in … Continue reading City of God, Book 2: Rome Deserved It!
City of God, Book 1: Welcome to the City
During this time of less activity, I thought I'd take up a book I've wanted to read since college, but haven't read in its entirety - Augustine's City of God. I read portions in college for Political Science classes and more in seminary for Theology and Church History classes. But, the 1100 pages are intimidating. … Continue reading City of God, Book 1: Welcome to the City
God Entranced 