The City of God · Chapter
Book IX: The Mediation of Demons and the Unique Mediation of Christ explained
Augustine continues his critique of the Platonist distinction between good and evil demons, arguing that all demons are wicked spirits.
What happens
Augustine continues his critique of the Platonist distinction between good and evil demons, arguing that all demons are wicked spirits. He refutes the idea that demons can serve as mediators between gods and men, showing that they are subject to passions and lack true virtue. He contrasts this with the unique mediation of Christ, who, being both God and man, cleanses and redeems humanity. The chapter also discusses the nature of passions, the difference between good angels and demons, and the pride of demons who seek divine honors.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Pagan Religion
Augustine dismantles the Platonist distinction between good and evil demons, showing all demons are wicked and their worship is futile.
True Worship and the One God
Only Christ, as the unique mediator, provides true purification and blessedness, not demons or pagan gods.
Sin, Grace, and Redemption
Humanity's subjection to demons is a merited punishment for sin, and redemption comes through Christ's humility and grace.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author and narrator, refuting Platonist views on demons and defending Christian doctrine.
- Apuleius
Platonist philosopher whose views on demons are critiqued; he attributes passions to demons but does not ascribe virtue to them.
- Jesus Christ
The unique mediator between God and man, who cleanses from sin and provides eternal blessedness.
- Virgil
Quoted for his description of Aeneas as unmoved by tears, illustrating Stoic ideal of controlling passions.
- Cicero
Quoted for his praise of Caesar's compassion, contrasting Stoic condemnation of pity.
- Paul
Quoted for the saying 'Knowledge puffeth up, but charity buildeth up' (1 Corinthians 8:1), used to contrast demonic knowledge without charity.
Key passages
“Knowledge puffeth up, but charity buildeth up.”
Knowledge without love makes a person arrogant, but love builds up and edifies.
Augustine uses this verse (1 Corinthians 8:1) to contrast the demons' knowledge without charity, which inflates their pride.
“What have we to do with Thee, Jesus of Nazareth? Art Thou come to destroy us before the time?”
The demons recognized Jesus and asked if He had come to torment them before the appointed judgment.
Augustine cites this Gospel account (Mark 1:24, Matthew 8:29) to show that demons have knowledge but no charity, fearing Christ.
“He stands immovable by tears, Nor tenderest words with pity hears.”
Aeneas remains unmoved by tears and does not listen to pitiful words.
Virgil's description of Aeneas is used to illustrate the Stoic ideal of controlling passions, which Augustine contrasts with Christian compassion.