The City of God

I found it helpful to both listen to the Audible narration while I read and highlighted parts of the text of St. Augustine's The City of God. it is a dense work, and hard to take in everything, but provides so much important advice/training/teaching for everyone! The culmination in the last chapter of the last book, when we all shall see God and have forgotten how to sin and more, was perfect. Amen.

Augustine of Hippo wrote this timeless work nearly 1600 years ago in response to the decline of the Roman Empire and the charges that the decline was based, in large, on the rise of Christianity. Augustine takes the reader through a series if theological and philosophical arguments to demonstrate the fallacy of this charge, and to demonstrate the truth of Christianity as a revealed religion.The basics of Christian theology are laid out in the book, and the influence that Augustine had with this book on the shaping of the modern Catholic Church are evident - and those insights are relevant and interesting.The book is not for the faint of heart. I have studied theology for nearly three decades in some form or another, and the book has references and supposes a base of philosophical, theological and literary knowledge that is not common in the modern reader. It was tough sledding at times, as the 1600 year old writing style and apologetics are a bit of a twister on the mind.If this area of study and knowledge is in your bally-wick, pick up the book.

Classic book. The City of God is one of the greatest Philosophical texts out there. It is an excellent book and a read that you will find to improve your own thinking in the process. I will give one word of CAUTION, however. The translation in this book is from 1871. It is often times not nearly as straight forward as more modern translations and therefore more difficult to digest. I love this book and the translation provided here is a standard bearer, but if you are looking for this book for reading in class, I would highly recommend getting a more modern translation of The City of God. For some people out there now and for some in the 1870's, the language and style used here is their everyday tongue and they have no issue parsing through the pages, but for the average mortal it can be a bit much especially if you are a student and have deadlines, short turnaround times and work stacked upon school and studying. Again, consider your circumstances and select a translation accordingly.

This is the third time that I've read it. Although there are some gems of religous philosophical import in it, in the genuine classical style, I'm beginning to think that the book would be more vital to a student of Ancient History, or Latin mythology and Roman lore than myself, an "independent student." This is, of course, due to the mileau in which the book was originally written, when the Church was still somewhat suffering and the change was being made from outright paganism to Christianity. It speaks more of history itself to me, but of course, the truths that the book do reveal to the reader hungry for knowledge are and should be of vital influence and import.

The City of God is a classic with very detailed theological thoughts and developments throughout the very long book. Augustine develops the two cities theme with vast information. It was difficult for me to sustain the level of attention for this monumental work throughout. There were ideas from Augustine that I had never heard of in theology or divinity school. For example he ponders and goes through Biblical verses to support his view on the origin of angels in the creation scheme. I am glad that I read through this book in a quick way but admit it would be difficult to carefully read this huge book. Augustine is a remarkable church father. I would suggest reading his confessions or his book on teachings as a starter to Augustine, however.

I had no way to give this more stars because I will be trying to read this book forever. You should want to know what is important to know as this book is not just about Catholic history but about how governments work to this day.If you get through the book, you will be better educated. If you are not too scholarly, might try starting with St. Augustine's life in a video (to wet your whistle)...then you will understand the why of his book (s) The Confessions of St. Augustine and then you will probably want to read The City of God.Go for it; improving is always good.

I haven't advanced very far into this book yet, but it is eye opening. Augustine's comments could be lifted out of a discussion from modern times and the truths he proclaims are timeless. I highly recommend The City of God for any student of the Bible and Church history.

I was worried that I would get bored with such a long, scholarly work. I was wrong. It was fascinating to get a fifth century perspective on Scripture. St. Augustine was methodical in addressing the false beliefs of his time. This reading went much faster than I had anticipated.

I wanted to read some of St Augustine's writings as he was an early church father and I wanted to pick up on various aspects of early Christian doctrine.I was not disappointed. You have to have a fresh mind to follow his train of thought at times as this man functioned on an intellectual level we are not accustomed to today, or at least not what I am accustomed to.If you think men are now smarter than they were around 400 A.D. think again.You can pick it up and read from anywhere, there are hundreds of topics discussed and he sheds new light on most things.If you're into truth, this book will not disappoint.

The book is vast and will keep you occupied for a lenthy time. The language is sophisticated, but beautifull. Some very complex issues are discussed , some aruments are tedious and unrelevant.

good

No one should not read it.

I'm really glad I ordered this edition. Great footnotes and everything. I know there are lots of editions for City of God on Amazon, but I highly recommend this one