The City of God 
Augustine
Mike Ervin

Augustine's The City of God Overview

The teaching below is a comprehensive summary of  a Teaching Company book on the "City of God" by Augustine of Hippo, the book authored by Professor Charles Mathewes

Augustine's "The City of God" is a foundational text in Western civilization that addresses the relationship between Christianity and the Roman Empire, offering a critique of paganism while constructing a Christian worldview.

Augustine's Life and Influence

• Augustine was born in 354 in Thagaste, North Africa, and received a good education.
• He was involved with Manicheism and Neoplatonism before converting to Christianity in 387.
• As a bishop, he established a monastic community in Hippo and wrote extensively, influencing Christian thought.
• His writings addressed controversies such as the Donatist and Pelagian debates, shaping Christian doctrine.

The Structure and Purpose of The City of God

• The book is divided into 22 books, with the first 10 defending Christianity and the last 12 constructing a Christian worldview.
• Augustine wrote the text in response to the Sack of Rome in 410 A.D., addressing the concerns of Christians and pagans alike.
• The work serves as both a critique of paganism and a guide for Christians on how to live in a fallen world.

The Historical Context of the Sack of Rome

• The Sack of Rome occurred from August 24-26, 410 A.D., marking a significant event in Western history.
• It was not merely a barbaric invasion; the Visigoths were previously refugees and had become Arian Christians.
• The event shocked the Roman world, leading to a reevaluation of the empire's stability and the role of Christianity.

Augustine's Philosophical & Theological Contributions

• Augustine's thought marked the transition between ancient and medieval philosophy, influencing political thought and Christian doctrine.
• He emphasized the importance of grace and the human condition, challenging the views of his contemporaries.
• His work remains relevant today, offering insights into the nature of faith, morality, and the human experience in a pluralistic society.

The Nature of the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire was characterized by a complex relationship with obedience, frontiers, and a cosmopolitan culture.

• The Imperium Romanum emphasized obedience rather than direct control.
• The concept of limes indicated the extent of Roman influence rather than fixed borders.
• The empire was surrounded by wilderness rather than rival states, leading to a unique understanding of frontiers.
• It facilitated unprecedented travel and trade among diverse peoples.
• Governance combined liberality and brutality, allowing conquered peoples autonomy as long as they adhered to Roman norms.
• Romans viewed barbarians with contempt, underestimating their potential to challenge the empire.

The Impact of the Sack of Rome

The sack of Rome in 410 A.D. reshaped perceptions of crisis and identity within the empire.

• The event challenged existing notions of who the barbarians were and the nature of crisis.
• Romans had no historical precedent for a complete collapse of civilization.
• A sense of lost moral integrity plagued Romans, who mourned the decline from republican glory.
• The rise of Christianity introduced a new moral and spiritual framework that conflicted with traditional Roman values.
• Augustine's response to the sack was influenced by the shock it caused among both Christian and pagan elites.

Augustine's Audience and Civic Morality

Augustine tailored his work to address a diverse audience grappling with the implications of the sack of Rome.

• He engaged with both Christian and pagan perspectives, particularly through the lens of civic morality.
• The book was dedicated to Marcellinus, a Roman tribune, who sought guidance on reconciling Christian teachings with civic duties.
• Augustine argued that Christian morality could enhance civic virtue rather than undermine it.
• He recognized the mixed nature of the church and the challenges posed by various groups, including pagans and heretical Christians.

Augustine's Theological Perspective on Empire

Augustine redefined the meaning of Rome and its political life in light of Christian theology.

• He emphasized that physical suffering is not the greatest evil, and historical traumas serve to sort the blessed from the damned.
• The fall of Rome was seen as a correction rather than a destruction of civilization.
• Augustine critiqued the fusion of political power with divine favor, arguing that all empires are accountable to God.
• He framed the relationship between the City of God and earthly cities, emphasizing the need for justice and true worship.

The Problem of Suffering and Evil

Augustine explored the nature of suffering and its implications for human existence.

• He argued that suffering is pervasive and often unjust, challenging the belief in secure happiness in this world.
• Augustine posited that the key to understanding suffering lies in our attachment to the world and how we respond to it.
• He rejected suicide as a solution to suffering, advocating for endurance and faith in God's plan.
• Suffering can serve as a means of spiritual growth and a way to realign one's values.

The Price of Empire and Roman Self-Understanding

Augustine dismantled the Romans' self-congratulatory narratives about their empire and its virtues.

• He critiqued the notion that Rome's greatness stemmed from noble virtues, attributing it instead to luck and a lust for domination.
• Augustine argued that the pursuit of happiness through civic greatness is historically and psychologically deluded.
• He highlighted the moral evils resulting from Roman conquests and the blindness of Romans to their own history of violence.
• The Romans' fixation on physical evils obscured their moral failings, leading to a distorted understanding of true happiness.

Augustine's Political Realism and Critique

Augustine's political philosophy emphasized the limitations and realities of political life.

• He argued that the value of the state lies in its ability to maintain order and peace, not in its moral legitimacy.
• Augustine compared states to criminal gangs, suggesting that both operate on similar appetitive logics.
• He critiqued the rhetoric surrounding Roman patriotism and the myths that obscure political realities.
• Augustine emphasized that obedience is often driven by fear rather than consent, and that the exercise of power can lead to moral corruption.

The Pursuit of True Happiness

Augustine contrasted the Roman pursuit of glory with the Christian understanding of happiness.

• He argued that Roman virtues, derived from a desire for glory, ultimately lead to a false sense of fulfillment.
• True happiness for Christians lies in seeking glory for God rather than for oneself or temporal achievements.
• Augustine proposed that Christian rulers can find happiness in their just governance and humility, rather than in power or glory.
• The happiness of Christian rulers is characterized by hope and a commitment to serve God and others.

Public Religion and Civic Benefits

Augustine critiqued the Roman view of religion as a tool for civic stability and social order.

• He noted that many Romans practiced religion for its civic benefits rather than for genuine belief.
• Augustine challenged the idea that religious belief should be subordinated to civic utility.
• He emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of faith that transcends mere social stability.
• The critique of pagan philosophy highlighted the complexities of moral and spiritual inquiry in a post-mythical world.

Philosophers' Critique of Christianity

Philosophers viewed Christianity as a superstition that undermined civic values and intellectual rigor.

• Philosophers were wary of sharing their thoughts with the common folk due to the threat posed to their piety.
• Civic republicans criticized Christianity as antiworldly, while philosophers labeled it as wishful thinking.
• Philosophers saw Christian rituals as superstitious, reflecting the ignorance of the common people.

Augustine's Response to Varro

Augustine critiques Varro's defense of Roman religion, arguing it fails to recognize the true nature of God.

• Augustine engages with Marcus Terentius Varro, a prominent Roman intellectual, to counter his views on religion.
• Varro's analysis of Roman religion attempts to justify its absurdities for civic purposes but ultimately undermines itself.
• Augustine argues that Varro's distinction between types of theology is flawed, as they influence each other negatively.

The Nature of True Religion

Augustine asserts that true religion is found in Christianity, which offers a coherent understanding of God and creation.

• Augustine critiques Varro's idea of a select pantheon, arguing it legitimizes social pathologies rather than true divinity.
• He emphasizes that the Christian church provides the true narrative of God and genuine sacrifice.
• Augustine believes that philosophers, rather than Christians, are the ones who are superstitious and impious.

Happiness and Philosophical Inquiry

Augustine explores the concept of happiness, distinguishing between worldly and philosophical happiness.

• He engages with Platonists, who see happiness as found in transcendent realities, but critiques their understanding of God.
• Augustine argues that true happiness is accessible through a relationship with the loving God revealed in Christianity.
• He emphasizes the importance of understanding God as Creator and the implications for human existence.

The Role of Christ as Mediator

Augustine presents Christ as the true mediator between humanity and God, contrasting with the Platonists' view of demons.

• He argues that Christ's incarnation allows for a direct relationship with God, negating the need for intermediaries.
• Augustine emphasizes that true sacrifice is found in Christ's death, which reconciles humanity with God.
• The Christian community participates in Christ's compassion through acts of mercy and the Eucharist.

Understanding Creation and Evil

Augustine discusses the nature of creation, the problem of evil, and the significance of human agency.

• He asserts that creation is fundamentally good, and evil is a privation of good rather than a positive force.
• Augustine explains that the existence of evil is intelligible only within the framework of God's goodness.
• He explores the fall of angels as a way to understand the origins of evil and the nature of free will.

The Concept of Original Sin

Augustine addresses the implications of original sin and the reality of death in human existence.

• He views death as a consequence of sin, stemming from Adam's rebellion against God.
• Augustine emphasizes that human orientation towards the world must change to align with God's grace.
• He argues that the historical Adam's actions have lasting consequences for all humanity, leading to a fallen state.

The Nature of Sin and Human Mortality

Augustine explores the relationship between human sin and mortality, emphasizing the internal nature of sin and its consequences.

• The first sin is disobedience, leading to human decay and distraction.
• Real sin occurs in the hidden interiority of the self, not merely in actions like eating the forbidden fruit.
• Sin creates a sense of privacy and apartness from God, leading to shame and a division within the self.
• The Fall results in a living death, where the soul rebels against God, leading to despair and a lack of hope.
• Augustine characterizes this condition as a metaphorical death, affecting all humanity through original sin.

Transformation of Death and Redemption

Augustine discusses the transformation of death and the hope of resurrection through Christ.

• Death is not inherently evil, but can be used to achieve a greater purpose.
• The body remains mortal, but the resurrection of Jesus signifies the potential for transformation.
• Christians are called to reinterpret life and death, cultivating faith to see life as “dying to the world.”
• Martyrdom is redefined as living with purpose, where suffering is acknowledged and anticipated with hope.
• Emotional practices of acknowledging suffering and anticipating joy are essential for spiritual growth.

Understanding Responsibility in Light of Sin

Augustine's view on responsibility is shaped by the concepts of voluntary and involuntary actions.

• Responsibility is defined not just legally but also therapeutically, focusing on analysis and repair.
• Grace is seen as divine medicine, with the church as a hospital for recovering patients.
• Original sin is a serious condition, but it does not absolve individuals of responsibility for their actions.
• Augustine emphasizes the importance of recognizing our past and the moral seriousness of our condition.

The Two Cities: Love and Human Behavior

Augustine distinguishes between the citizens of the two cities based on their loves and behaviors.

• The earthly city represents self-love, while the city of God embodies love for God.
• Human behavior is rooted in psychology, with sin being a manifestation of disordered loves.
• Emotions are essential to human life, but Augustine critiques Stoic views that dismiss them. ​
• Proper emotional life is marked by love and gladness, disrupted by rebellion against God.

The Role of History in Salvation

Augustine's theology of history emphasizes the significance of historical events in understanding salvation. ​

• History is not repetitive but unique, revealing God's presence through Jesus Christ. ​
• The story of the two cities illustrates the struggle between good and evil throughout history.
• Typological reading of history allows ordinary events to signify deeper spiritual truths.
• Augustine's approach to history encourages Christians to see their lives as part of a larger narrative. ​

The Relationship Between Happiness and Politics

Augustine addresses the intersection of happiness and political responsibility in the earthly city.

• True happiness is redefined as peace, which cannot be fully realized in this life. ​
• Christians are called to seek peace while engaging in political life, recognizing its tragic nature.
• Political authority is necessary but often involves the use of force, which should be acknowledged as evil.
• Justice is fundamentally linked to worship, and true cities must honor God to be just.

The Nature of Judgment and the Last Judgment

Augustine reflects on the meaning of judgment, particularly in the context of the Last Judgment.

• Judgment is a divine property, emphasizing humility in human assessments of morality.
• The Last Judgment is a central theme, with a focus on being prepared rather than predicting specifics.
• God's judgment is just, and humans will understand it fully only at the Last Judgment. ​
• The Christian mission involves shaping souls to receive judgment and live in accordance with God's will. ​

Augustine's Vision of Hell and Its Justification

Augustine discusses the doctrine of hell, emphasizing its connection to God's goodness and justice. ​

• Hell is seen as a necessary consequence of sin, reflecting the continuity between earthly actions and eternal consequences.
• The belief in hell serves to underscore the seriousness of sin and the moral order of the universe. ​
• Augustine argues that understanding hell can provide insight into the nature of divine justice and human accountability.

The Nature of Hell According to Augustine

Augustine explores the concept of hell, addressing its plausibility and the nature of punishment for the damned. ​

• Augustine distinguishes between two main issues regarding hell: its possibility and the nature of punishment.​
• He argues that the existence of immortal bodies suffering in hell is plausible, citing examples like salamanders that live in fire. ​
• Augustine asserts that demons have suffered eternally since Creation, indicating that our ordinary experiences do not limit what is possible. ​
• The suffering in hell is both physical and psychological, with the damned experiencing continuous pain and regret.
• The nature of punishment involves material fire, symbolizing the soul's desire for stability, which is thwarted by the volatility of fire. ​
• Augustine argues that the punishment is eternal due to the infinite magnitude of rejecting God, making the consequences irreparable. ​

The Concept of Universal Salvation

Augustine critiques the idea of universal salvation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the intrinsic wickedness of the damned. ​

• He warns against "bad mercy," which overlooks the transgressions of the damned and focuses solely on their suffering.
• Augustine believes that God's mercy has limits, which are part of His love for Creation, allowing creatures to choose their paths.
• He argues that universalism undermines the significance of history and the reality of evil, suggesting that it could lead to a denial of evil's existence. ​
• Augustine posits that the dream of universal reconciliation diminishes the meaning of historical events and can justify present horrors. ​

Augustine's Definition of Hell

Augustine defines hell as a deeply personal and self-inflicted state of suffering, emphasizing its nature and implications. ​

• Hell is characterized by complete inability to relate to others, resulting in suffocating solitude. ​
• Augustine argues that hell is ultimately good as it serves justice and protects the wicked from their misguided intentions. ​
• The damned experience a desire to escape God's presence, but realize there is no escape, leading to eternal suffering. ​
• Augustine suggests that hell reflects the choices made by the damned, who exist in a state of self-harm. ​

The Vision of Heaven and Resurrection

Augustine presents his vision of heaven, focusing on the resurrection of the body and the nature of human existence in the afterlife. ​

• At the end of time, all will be resurrected in spiritual bodies that retain their individuality and historical characteristics. ​
• The resurrection affirms the significance of history, as the details of past lives will be retained and transfigured. ​
• Augustine emphasizes that the blessed will experience profound intimacy and connection, surpassing earthly desires.
• The vision of God in heaven will be direct and continuous, allowing the blessed to see God in all creation. ​

Augustine's Political Theology

Augustine's work, The City of God, addresses the relationship between Christianity and politics, emphasizing the nature of human community.

• He argues that politics is a consequence of the Fall, serving to coordinate disordered passions but ultimately lacking in achieving true goods.
• Augustine views political communities as reflections of theological longings, where human affections are intertwined with political passions. ​
• He emphasizes the importance of the church as a community of moral formation, where Christians cultivate compassion and charity. ​
• Augustine critiques the fusion of church and state, advocating for public service while recognizing the limitations of political authority. ​

Augustine's Influence on Western Thought

Augustine's ideas have significantly shaped Western thought, influencing theology, politics, and philosophy throughout history.

• His works have been rediscovered across generations, addressing new questions and challenges in various contexts.
• Augustine's thoughts informed medieval theology, the Reformation, and modern philosophical debates, despite misinterpretations. ​
• His legacy includes a complex relationship with political authority, where his views have been both embraced and contested.
• Augustine's insights continue to resonate, offering profound reflections on the nature of humanity, love, and the divine.

The City of God 

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