St. Augustine:The City of God

Overview

Who was Saint Augustine?

What are the two cities?

What lessons can we discern from St. Augustine’s conception of the two cities?

Aside: ContextTowards the end of the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church became a significant political entityThe relationship between Church and State became increasingly problematic

Also known as the doctrine of the two swordsThe doctrine submits that there are two swords of power:

SacredRoyal

The Gelasian doctrine

sovereign in spiritual matters

sovereign in temporal affairs

St. Augustine (354-430)

African convert to ChristianityBaptized into the Christian faith by St. Ambrose (387 AD)Became Bishop of Hippo in (396 AD)Wrote numerous treatisesRecognized as a Father of the Church

City of God: Assumptions

The City of God is a Catholic treatise

Belief in one God God is the architect of all creation God is infinite truth and goodness

The Two CitiesHuman society can be divided into two cities depending on how men choose to live

City of Man•Men choose to live according to themselves

City of God•Men live according to God’s design/laws

The City of ManThose who live after the fleshLove of self, even to the contempt of GodBasis of rule: the love of rulingGlories in human wisdom and strengthFinite

The City of GodThose who live after the SpiritLove of God, even to the contempt of selfBasis of Rule: Love“There is no human wisdom, only godliness…”Everlasting

On The Two Cities…

Both cities overlapBoth desire peace

The City of Man desires peace to enjoy earthly goods The aim of the City of God is to achieve eternal peace (eternal life in peace)

On The Two Cities…

Both use earthly resources to attain their respective peace

For the City of Man, this includes the waging of war For the City of God, the use of temporal things aids in the attainment of eternal peace

AnalysisBoth exhibit the fundamental concepts of rule, peace and justice Rule in the City of God is more constructive

Service to those who are ruled Has its basis in duty

Analysis

The peace achieved in the City of God is proper to man

No lasting peace has befallen the City of Man Peace in the City of God suits man’s rational soul

AnalysisTrue justice is only proper to the City of God

“That virtue which gives every one his due.” A republic cannot be administered without justice Justice is rooted in God’s divine laws

LessonsThere have to be underlying principles that govern human affairsPeace is a means to an endRule or authority should be undertaken as a service or out of duty to one’s fellows