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
theological
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]
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
City of God, Book 8: Close, but no Cigar
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
God Entranced 