The City of God · Chapter
Book XI: The Origin of the Two Cities explained
Augustine begins the second part of his work, focusing on the origin, history, and destinies of the earthly and heavenly cities.
What happens
Augustine begins the second part of his work, focusing on the origin, history, and destinies of the earthly and heavenly cities. He explains that the two cities were formed by the separation of good and bad angels, and discusses the creation of the world as described in Genesis. He emphasizes that only through the Mediator, Jesus Christ, can one attain knowledge of God, and reflects on the beauty of contraries in the world. The chapter concludes by linking the division of light from darkness in creation to the separation of holy and fallen angels.
Themes in this chapter
The Two Cities
Augustine introduces the earthly and heavenly cities, tracing their origin to the separation of good and bad angels.
Sin, Grace, and Redemption
The fall of the angels is attributed to pride and willful turning from the immutable good, setting the stage for human sin and redemption.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author and narrator, explains the origin of the two cities and interprets the creation account.
- Jesus Christ
The Mediator between God and men, through whom alone knowledge of God is possible.
- Paul
Quoted for his teaching on the beauty of contraries and the armour of righteousness.
Key passages
“Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.”
The Scripture declares wonderful things about the city of God.
Augustine cites Psalm 87:3 to affirm the divine origin of the heavenly city.
“Good is set against evil, and life against death: so is the sinner against the godly. So look upon all the works of the Most High, and these are two and two, one against another.”
In the world, opposites like good and evil, life and death, are arranged by God to create beauty through contrast.
Augustine uses Ecclesiasticus 33:15 to illustrate the aesthetic and moral order of contraries.