In Book Eight Augustine leaves behind his discussion of the religion of the theatre and the temple, of the people on the street, and focuses his attention on "they who profess to be 'lovers of wisdom'". If wisdom is identified with God, then these men are lovers of God, but, contends Augustine, not everything that … Continue reading City of God, Book 8: Close, but no Cigar
theological
Corporate Sin? Confessing My Ancestors Sins?
I have seen a lot of posts recently in my social media feed of people who say things like, "I didn't do _________, so I have nothing to repent of or be sorry for." These posts assert that sin and guilt are always only personal and never corporate or generational. Accordingly, those who think this … Continue reading Corporate Sin? Confessing My Ancestors Sins?
City of God, Book 7: From Apologetic to Worship
Book 7 almost beat me. I got a bit bogged down even though it's only forty-some pages. Much of the ground Augustine covers here has been well trodden in early books, but thankfully it includes an incredible section of Christian theology that leads almost to doxology. He begins outlining his purpose explicitly, "I am using … Continue reading City of God, Book 7: From Apologetic to Worship
City of God, Book 6: Trust these gods?
Augustine's Book 6 continues his dismantling of Roman religion and philosophy. In particular, Book 6 addresses those who would claim that the gods are to be worshiped for what they give in the next life, not the material blessings they give in this life. Of course, Christians do indeed worship the One True God and … Continue reading City of God, Book 6: Trust these gods?
Assembling is Essential to the Church
This post is theological, not about public health. Obviously, these two things have been in tension recently. Let me state baldly my position, then defend it. It was critical, for a time, that churches forgo meetings of any significant size due to the public health threat. But, assembling together is essential to the very nature … Continue reading Assembling is Essential to the Church
God Entranced 