City of God

Definition

The City of God is a philosophical and theological concept primarily articulated by St. Augustine in his work of the same name, written in the early 5th century. It contrasts the heavenly city, characterized by divine grace and eternal truth, with the earthly city, marked by human sin and temporal concerns. This distinction highlights the conflict between the spiritual and secular realms, emphasizing Augustine's views on faith, morality, and the nature of human society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The City of God was written as a response to the fall of Rome in 410 AD, addressing the relationship between Christianity and the Roman state.
2. Augustine argued that while earthly cities are transient and flawed, the City of God represents an eternal community united by faith in God.
3. The work is divided into two main parts: one discussing the nature of the earthly city and its challenges, and the other focusing on the eternal City of God.
4. Augustine emphasized that true fulfillment and peace are found only in the City of God, which offers hope beyond temporal suffering and societal strife.
5. The City of God laid the groundwork for later Christian thought on governance, ethics, and the role of the church in relation to worldly powers.

Review Questions

• How does Augustine's concept of the City of God differentiate between the spiritual and secular realms?
  • Augustine's concept differentiates between the City of God, representing spiritual truth and divine grace, and the earthly city, characterized by human sin and temporary concerns. He argues that while both cities coexist, they reflect different values and destinies. The City of God is marked by eternal truth and unity in faith, while the earthly city is often driven by conflict, selfishness, and moral decay.
• What historical context influenced Augustine's writing of the City of God, particularly regarding the fall of Rome?
  • The fall of Rome in 410 AD provided a significant backdrop for Augustine's writing. As Rome crumbled under external pressures and internal strife, many attributed its decline to the rise of Christianity. Augustine sought to counter this notion by arguing that true security lies not in earthly empires but in faith and salvation offered through the City of God. This context fueled his exploration of how Christians should navigate a world fraught with challenges while maintaining their spiritual integrity.
• Evaluate the impact of Augustine's City of God on later Christian thought regarding politics and morality.
  • Augustine's City of God had a profound impact on subsequent Christian thought about politics and morality by framing governance as a moral endeavor grounded in divine authority. His contrast between the eternal values of the City of God and the flawed nature of earthly governance influenced later theologians like Thomas Aquinas and shaped Christian political philosophy. This work set a precedent for discussions on how Christians should engage with secular authorities while upholding their spiritual commitments, ultimately contributing to the development of ideas about church-state relations in Western civilization.

Related terms

St. Augustine: An early Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings influenced Western Christianity and philosophy, particularly through his concepts of original sin and divine grace.

Earthly City: In Augustine's framework, this term refers to the realm of human affairs characterized by sin, conflict, and temporal power, contrasting with the divine and eternal nature of the City of God.

Original Sin: The Christian doctrine that suggests humanity inherited a fallen state from Adam and Eve's disobedience, impacting Augustine's views on morality and society.