Earthly peace

Definition

Earthly peace refers to a state of tranquility and order achieved through human efforts, particularly in governance and societal structures. In the context of Augustine's thought, it emphasizes the temporary nature of peace attained in the material world, often contrasted with the eternal peace offered by God in the City of God. Augustine argues that while earthly peace can bring a semblance of stability, it is ultimately flawed and impermanent compared to divine peace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Augustine believed that earthly peace is a necessary aspect of human society, but it can never fully satisfy the human longing for ultimate fulfillment.
2. He argued that governments are instituted to maintain order and promote some level of peace, even if they operate within a context marked by sin.
3. The pursuit of earthly peace often leads to conflicts due to differing human desires and ambitions, reflecting humanity's flawed nature.
4. Augustine contrasted earthly peace with the perfect and eternal peace found in the City of God, which is only accessible through divine grace.
5. For Augustine, true justice is essential for achieving lasting earthly peace; without it, any peace attained is superficial and temporary.

Review Questions

• How does Augustine differentiate between earthly peace and the peace found in the City of God?
  • Augustine distinguishes earthly peace as a temporary and flawed state that can be achieved through human governance, while the peace found in the City of God is eternal and rooted in divine grace. He believes that earthly peace may provide a semblance of order but lacks true justice and fulfillment. In contrast, the City of God represents an ultimate community where believers experience perfect harmony with God.
• Discuss the implications of original sin on Augustine's view of earthly peace and its attainment.
  • Original sin plays a crucial role in Augustine's understanding of earthly peace by highlighting humanity's inherent flaws and tendencies toward conflict. This fallen nature makes it difficult for societies to achieve genuine and lasting peace since human desires often clash. Augustine posits that while governments can strive for order, they are ultimately limited by human sinfulness, leading to imperfect forms of peace that cannot address deeper existential longings.
• Evaluate how Augustine’s just war theory relates to the pursuit of earthly peace amidst conflict.
  • Augustine’s just war theory offers a moral framework that seeks to reconcile the need for earthly peace with the realities of conflict. By establishing criteria for just causes in warfare, Augustine aims to promote a form of peace that acknowledges human imperfection while striving for justice. This approach suggests that even in times of war, efforts should be made to minimize suffering and seek resolution, reflecting his belief that true justice is foundational for any sustainable earthly peace.

Related terms

City of God: A central concept in Augustine's political theology representing the eternal community of believers that transcends earthly cities, embodying God's divine order.

original sin: The theological concept that humanity's fallen state and propensity toward sin affect human relationships and social structures, making true earthly peace elusive.

just war theory: Augustine's framework for determining the moral justification for war, addressing how earthly peace can be pursued even amidst conflict.