St.

Augustine's City of God

Two Cities: St. Augustine divides human society into two cities, the City of God and the City of Man. The
City of God is characterized by love of God, while the City of Man is characterized by love of self.
Augustine argues that the two cities are fundamentally different and that the City of God is the ultimate
destination of all human beings.

Original Sin: Augustine's doctrine of original sin is an important part of his theological thought. He argues
that human beings are born into a state of sin because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the
Garden of Eden. Original sin has corrupted human nature and makes it impossible for human beings to
achieve salvation on their own.

Free Will: Augustine's understanding of free will is complex and nuanced. He argues that human beings
have free will, but that their will is not completely free because it is influenced by original sin. However,
Augustine also believes that God's grace can overcome the effects of original sin and enable human
beings to choose the good.

Just War: Augustine's theory of just war is an important part of his political thought. He argues that war
can be justified under certain circumstances, such as in self-defense or to defend the weak against the
strong. However, he also cautions against the dangers of war and emphasizes the importance of peace
and justice.

Eschatology: Augustine's understanding of the end of the world and the final judgment is a central
theme in the City of God. He argues that the ultimate destiny of human beings is either eternal life in the
City of God or eternal punishment in hell. The final judgment will be based on the moral choices that
individuals make during their lives.

The Garden of Eden: The Garden of Eden represents the state of perfection that existed before the Fall of
Adam and Eve. Augustine uses this symbol to show how original sin corrupted human nature and led to
the division between the City of God and the City of Man.

The Body and Soul: Augustine uses the symbolism of the body and soul to illustrate the tension between
the material and spiritual aspects of human existence. He argues that the soul is superior to the body
and that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve spiritual perfection.

The Cross: The symbol of the cross represents the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the redemption of
humanity. Augustine uses this symbol to show how the love of God can overcome the forces of evil and
restore humanity to its original state of perfection.

The Heavenly City: The Heavenly City is the ultimate destination of human beings who have achieved
spiritual perfection. Augustine uses this symbol to illustrate the idea that human beings are pilgrims on a
journey towards their ultimate destiny.

key notes on St. Augustine's City of God:

1. The City of God is a Christian treatise that explores the relationship between God and the world,
as well as the nature of sin and redemption.
2. Augustine argues that there are two cities in the world: the City of God and the City of Man. The
City of God is characterized by love of God, while the City of Man is characterized by love of self.

3. Augustine's doctrine of original sin plays a central role in the City of God. He argues that human
beings are born into a state of sin because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of
Eden.

4. Augustine's understanding of free will is complex and nuanced. He argues that human beings
have free will, but that their will is not completely free because it is influenced by original sin.

5. Augustine's theory of just war is an important part of his political thought. He argues that war
can be justified under certain circumstances, such as in self-defense or to defend the weak
against the strong.

6. Augustine's understanding of the end of the world and the final judgment is a central theme in
the City of God. He argues that the ultimate destiny of human beings is either eternal life in the
City of God or eternal punishment in hell.

7. The City of God contains a rich and complex system of symbols and allegories that help to convey
Augustine's theological and philosophical ideas. These symbols include the Two Cities, the
Garden of Eden, the Body and Soul, the Cross, and the Heavenly City.

8. Augustine's City of God has had a profound influence on Christian thought and continues to be
studied and debated by scholars today. It is regarded as one of the great works of Western
philosophy and theology.