City Of God By Augustine Summary

City of God by Augustine: A Summary and Exploration

Augustine of Hippo's The City of God Against the Pagans (Latin: De Civitate Dei contra Paganos) is a monumental work of philosophy, theology, and history, written in the early 5th century CE. It's not a quick read; its sheer scope and depth are staggering. This extensive summary will delve into its core arguments, exploring Augustine's vision of two intertwined yet fundamentally opposed societies – the City of God and the City of Man – and how their contrasting natures shape human history and the individual soul.

Understanding the Context: The Sack of Rome

The immediate trigger for Augustine's writing was the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 CE. This catastrophic event shook the Roman world to its core. Pagans, clinging to traditional beliefs, blamed the downfall on the abandonment of the old Roman gods and the rise of Christianity. Augustine's City of God serves as a powerful refutation of this pagan perspective, arguing that Rome's decline wasn't a divine punishment for embracing Christianity but rather a consequence of inherent flaws within the earthly empire itself.

The Two Cities: A Fundamental Dichotomy

The central concept of the work is the distinction between two societies, the City of God and the City of Man. These aren't necessarily geographical locations; they are rather two distinct communities defined by their respective loves and ultimate aims:

The City of God: Love of God

• Love as the Defining Principle: Augustine argues that the City of God is characterized by its supreme love of God. This love is not simply a sentimental affection but a deep-seated commitment to God's will, a desire for communion with the divine, and a striving for eternal life. This love is the primary motivator for all actions within this city.

• Citizenship Through Faith: Membership in the City of God is determined not by earthly citizenship or social status but by faith in God and a commitment to living a virtuous life guided by divine grace. It transcends earthly boundaries, encompassing individuals from all nations and walks of life who share this common love of God.

• Eternal Destiny: The ultimate goal of the City of God is the attainment of eternal life in the presence of God. This is the promised reward for those who remain faithful and steadfast in their love for God, overcoming earthly temptations and trials. The citizens of this city are always striving towards a higher plane of being.

The City of Man: Love of Self

• Love as the Defining Principle: The City of Man is characterized by its love of self, expressed as an inordinate desire for earthly power, possessions, and glory. This self-love is not inherently sinful; Augustine acknowledges the natural human desire for self-preservation. However, it becomes corrupt when it displaces the love of God and seeks fulfillment in earthly pursuits at the expense of others.

• Citizenship Through Earthly Ties: The City of Man is defined by earthly structures and institutions. Its citizens are united by common interests and goals within the confines of their social and political lives. Citizenship is based on shared earthly experiences rather than any shared spiritual ideal.

• Temporal Destiny: The City of Man, by its very nature, is temporal and subject to decay. Its achievements are fleeting, its glories ultimately transient. Its pursuit of earthly happiness is always ultimately frustrated.

The Intertwining of the Cities

Crucially, Augustine emphasizes that the two cities are not entirely separate. They are intertwined throughout history, with individuals often belonging to both simultaneously. A person might participate in the institutions of the City of Man while simultaneously striving for the values and goals of the City of God.

This coexistence often leads to internal conflict. The individual grapples with their conflicting desires: the pull of earthly pleasures versus the call of spiritual devotion. This internal struggle reflects the larger tension between the two cities as they coexist and interact throughout human history.

History as the Struggle Between the Two Cities

Augustine interprets history as a continuous struggle between these two opposing forces. The rise and fall of empires, the wars and conflicts that have plagued humanity, are all seen as manifestations of this fundamental conflict. The City of Man, with its inherent flaws and pursuit of earthly power, inevitably leads to conflict, injustice, and ultimately, decay.

This perspective allows Augustine to reframe the sack of Rome, not as a divine judgment, but as a testament to the inherent instability of the City of Man. The destruction of Rome is not a sign of the failure of Christianity but rather a reminder of the ultimate futility of earthly power and ambitions.

The Role of Grace and Free Will

Augustine's theology profoundly shapes his conception of the two cities. He emphasizes the crucial role of divine grace in enabling individuals to transcend their self-love and embrace the love of God. Human beings, burdened by original sin, are inherently incapable of achieving salvation through their own efforts. Only God's grace can break the chains of sin and enable them to choose the City of God.

This doesn't negate free will entirely. While individuals are not capable of achieving salvation without God's grace, they still possess the freedom to accept or reject that grace. The choice to align oneself with the City of God or the City of Man remains fundamentally a free act, guided and made possible by God's grace.

Justice, Peace, and the Promises of the City of God

Augustine's vision is not one of bleak despair. Despite the inherent difficulties of living within the City of Man and the constant tension between the two cities, he offers a powerful message of hope. True justice, lasting peace, and ultimate fulfillment are only attainable in the City of God. The earthly struggles are seen as temporary trials, tests of faith that ultimately prepare the soul for the eternal reward promised by God.

He acknowledges the existence of injustice within the City of Man and challenges the notion that earthly power equals righteousness. He argues that even though the City of God might appear weak and persecuted in the present world, its ultimate victory is assured. This victory, however, is not a triumph achieved through earthly means, but a triumph of faith and the promise of divine grace.

Lasting Influence and Relevance

The City of God had a profound and lasting impact on Western thought and theology. Its influence can be seen in subsequent theological debates, political philosophy, and the development of Western conceptions of history and society. The conceptual framework of two opposing forces, one striving for spiritual perfection and the other driven by material pursuits, continues to resonate today.

Augustine's work continues to provoke discussion and debate. Scholars and theologians still engage with his arguments, grappling with his complex theology and its implications for understanding history, society, and the individual human experience. The distinctions between earthly and spiritual pursuits remain a persistent challenge, forcing humanity to continuously reconcile the complexities of life within the interwoven realities of the City of God and the City of Man. In understanding human history, the conflict between these two cities remains a powerful interpretive lens. The relevance of Augustine’s work persists as we continue to navigate the complex interplay between our earthly aspirations and our yearning for something beyond the temporal. The City of God, with its enduring call to love God above all else, continues to be a source of inspiration and a framework for contemplating the human condition.