The City of God · Chapter
VII explained
Augustine argues that the cruelties of the sack of Rome were typical of war, but the clemency shown by the barbarians—sparing those in churches—was a novel act attributable to the name of Christ and the Christian temper.
What happens
Augustine argues that the cruelties of the sack of Rome were typical of war, but the clemency shown by the barbarians—sparing those in churches—was a novel act attributable to the name of Christ and the Christian temper.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and History
Augustine sees the barbarians' clemency as an act of divine intervention through Christ's name.
Sin, Grace, and Redemption
The sparing of lives in churches is presented as a manifestation of God's loving-kindness despite human transgression.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author of the chapter, interpreting the sack of Rome.
- Jesus Christ
His name is credited for the clemency shown by the barbarians.
Key passages
“All the spoiling, then, which Rome was exposed to in the recent calamity—all the slaughter, plundering, burning, and misery—was the result of the custom of war.”
The destruction and violence Rome suffered were typical wartime atrocities.
Augustine distinguishes ordinary war horrors from the exceptional clemency.
“Whoever does not see that this is to be attributed to the name of Christ, and to the Christian temper, is blind; whoever sees this, and gives no praise, is ungrateful; whoever hinders anyone from praising it, is mad.”
Only a blind person fails to credit Christ for the mercy shown; only an ungrateful person sees it and withholds praise; only a mad person prevents others from praising it.
Augustine insists that the barbarians' restraint is due to Christian influence.