City of God

Definition

The City of God is a philosophical and theological concept introduced by Augustine of Hippo in his work 'De Civitate Dei'. It contrasts the divine order and eternal peace of the heavenly city with the temporal, flawed nature of earthly societies. This distinction serves as a critique of secular philosophies, particularly those influenced by Plato, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom in achieving true justice and order.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The City of God was written as a response to the fall of Rome in 410 AD, defending Christianity against accusations that it led to the empire's decline.
2. Augustine argues that the City of God is distinct from the earthly city, which is characterized by conflict, greed, and moral decay.
3. In this work, Augustine emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from aligning with God's will rather than pursuing worldly ambitions.
4. The City of God presents a vision of history as a struggle between these two cities, culminating in God's ultimate victory over evil.
5. Augustine's ideas influenced medieval thought, shaping discussions around politics, morality, and the role of religion in public life.

Review Questions

• How does Augustine's concept of the City of God critique Platonic philosophy?
  • Augustine's City of God critiques Platonic philosophy by rejecting the notion that human reason alone can achieve a perfect society. While Plato envisioned an ideal state based on rational principles, Augustine emphasizes that true justice and order can only be found through divine revelation and alignment with God's will. This divergence highlights Augustine's belief that earthly governance is inherently flawed and cannot lead to ultimate truth without divine guidance.
• Discuss the implications of Augustine's distinction between the City of God and the earthly city for contemporary political thought.
  • Augustine's distinction between the City of God and the earthly city has significant implications for contemporary political thought by framing discussions about morality, justice, and governance. His view suggests that secular political systems often prioritize power and self-interest, leading to corruption and conflict. By promoting a vision where divine law is paramount, Augustine challenges modern politics to consider ethical foundations and the moral responsibilities leaders have towards their citizens.
• Evaluate how Augustine's ideas in City of God shaped later theological and philosophical debates about the nature of justice and human society.
  • Augustine's ideas in City of God have profoundly shaped later theological and philosophical debates regarding justice and human society by establishing a framework where divine authority supersedes human law. This perspective laid groundwork for discussions on natural law and moral philosophy in medieval and modern contexts. His argument that true justice can only be achieved through divine alignment influenced thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther, leading to ongoing exploration of the relationship between faith, ethics, and governance in various societal frameworks.

Related terms

Platonic Idealism: A philosophical theory that posits the existence of abstract forms or ideals, which represent the most accurate reality, separate from the material world.

Eternal Law: The divine order that governs the universe, according to Augustine, which is perfect and unchanging compared to human laws and societies.

Original Sin: The doctrine that humanity is fundamentally flawed due to the first sin committed by Adam and Eve, affecting all subsequent generations.