Augustine is the most influential thinker of Western Christianity, and City of God is arguably his greatest work.
After the sack of Rome in 410, many Romans despaired about the future of the empire. Critics of Christianity blamed the devastation on the empire's conversion to the faith. City of God is Augustine's monumental response to these challenges, developed through analysis of Roman society, engagement with classical philosophy, and extended commentary on Scripture.
These sprawling discussions yield Augustine's theology of the two cities, according to which all people are divided into two communities according to their ultimate loves, whether of God or of self. Christians are called to love eternal goods over temporal goods even as they seek the peace of the earthly city.
The length and complexity of City of God make its argument difficult to follow, even for specialists. This resource abridges Augustine's work and makes it accessible for a wide readership. The selections focus on his social and political thought while indicating the larger shape of his work. They are accompanied by explanatory notes, essays on critical and complex topics, and an outline of the entire text. These aids will enable readers to experience Augustine's work for themselves.
The Essential "City of God" retrieves ancient wisdom for the modern world, offering an enduring vision for faithfulness and hope in times of social instability.

- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
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Information
Topic
Theology & ReligionSubtopic
Christian TheologyTable of contents
- Cover
- Endorsements
- Half Title Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Essays
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- Book 1
- Book 2
- Book 3
- Book 4
- Book 5
- Book 10
- Book 12
- Book 13
- Book 14
- Book 15
- Book 17
- Book 18
- Book 19
- Book 22
- Appendix
- Back Cover
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Yes, you can access The Essential City of God by Gregory W. Lee in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Theology & Religion & Christian Theology. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.