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
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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
The Gates of Hell
During times of crisis, doubt, spiritual deserts, or dark nights of the soul, it is essential to remember who God is. We could make a whole series of posts about God’s attributes, but one that I return to and meditate on frequently is God’s faithfulness. God is unwaveringly true to himself and unfalteringly true to … Continue reading The Gates of Hell
God Entranced 