The City of God · Chapter
What subjects are to be handled in the following discourse explained
Augustine outlines his plan to refute those who blame Christianity for the disasters of Rome, by recounting calamities before the prohibition of sacrifices, showing how the true God granted Rome's empire, exposing the deceit of false gods,
What happens
Augustine outlines his plan to refute those who blame Christianity for the disasters of Rome, by recounting calamities before the prohibition of sacrifices, showing how the true God granted Rome's empire, exposing the deceit of false gods, and finally engaging with philosophers who worship gods for post-mortem benefits rather than present advantages.
Themes in this chapter
True Worship and the One God
Augustine contrasts the worship of the true God with the false gods, asserting that true piety alone promises everlasting felicity.
Sin, Grace, and Redemption
The chapter implies the need to refute errors and assert the city of God, pointing to redemption through true worship.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author and speaker, outlining the forthcoming discourse.
Key passages
“But I have still some things to say in confutation of those who refer the disasters of the Roman republic to our religion, because it prohibits the offering of sacrifices to the gods.”
Augustine intends to argue against those who blame Christianity for Rome's misfortunes due to its ban on pagan sacrifices.
Sets up the main apologetic purpose of the upcoming discourse.
“I must then go on to show what social well-being the true God, in whose hand are all kingdoms, vouchsafed to grant to them that their empire might increase.”
He will demonstrate that the true God granted prosperity to Rome for the growth of its empire.
Highlights divine sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.
“And this, if I am not mistaken, will be the most difficult part of my task, and will be worthy of the loftiest argument; for we must then enter the lists with the philosophers, not the mere common herd of philosophers, but the most renowned, who in many points agree with ourselves, as regarding the immortality of the soul, and that the true God created the world, and by His providence rules all He has created.”
Augustine anticipates the challenging debate with elite philosophers who share some Christian beliefs but differ on other points.
Foreshadows a deep philosophical engagement in later books.