City of God

Definition

The City of God is a foundational work of Christian philosophy written by St. Augustine in response to the fall of Rome in 410 AD. It contrasts the earthly city, marked by human sin and political turmoil, with the heavenly city, representing divine order and eternal truth. This dichotomy reflects Augustine's broader concerns about faith, morality, and the nature of human society in relation to divine governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. St. Augustine wrote the City of God over a span of thirteen years, addressing critiques of Christianity following the sack of Rome.
2. The work argues that true peace and justice can only be found in the heavenly city, as opposed to the instability of the earthly city.
3. Augustine emphasizes the role of divine providence in history, asserting that God's plan transcends human events and politics.
4. The City of God laid the groundwork for much of Western Christian thought, influencing later theological discussions about the nature of society and government.
5. Augustine's view of history as a struggle between the City of God and the earthly city has had lasting implications for Christian eschatology and political philosophy.

Review Questions

• How does Augustine's distinction between the City of God and the earthly city reflect his views on human nature and society?
  • Augustine's distinction highlights his belief that human nature is inherently flawed due to original sin, which manifests in the chaos and moral decay of the earthly city. In contrast, the City of God represents an ideal community that operates under divine grace and truth. This dichotomy illustrates Augustine's conviction that true fulfillment cannot be found in earthly pursuits but rather through a relationship with God and participation in the heavenly community.
• Discuss the impact of St. Augustine's City of God on Western political thought and theology.
  • St. Augustine's City of God significantly influenced Western political thought by introducing the idea that secular governance should ultimately align with divine principles. His argument for a higher moral authority shaped discussions on justice, law, and governance throughout medieval and modern eras. This work also established a framework for understanding the relationship between faith and civic responsibility, encouraging Christians to navigate their duties within both spheres harmoniously.
• Evaluate how Augustine’s response to the fall of Rome in City of God contributes to contemporary discussions about religion and politics.
  • Augustine's response to Rome's fall underscores a timeless dialogue between faith and political authority, suggesting that societal crises often reveal deeper spiritual truths. His emphasis on divine providence encourages contemporary thinkers to consider how religious beliefs inform political engagement today. By framing history as a conflict between transient human powers and eternal truths, Augustine invites ongoing reflection on how faith communities can address modern challenges while remaining anchored in their spiritual convictions.

Related terms

Earthly City: The earthly city symbolizes the temporal and flawed human society driven by sin, self-interest, and materialism.

Heavenly City: The heavenly city represents the ultimate reality of divine order and eternal life, governed by God's grace and purpose.

Original Sin: A theological concept introduced by Augustine that explains humanity's inherent sinfulness stemming from Adam and Eve's disobedience to God.