014 - The Two States

In the wake of the devastating sack of Rome by the Goths under King Alaric, those who worshipped false gods began to blame the Christian faith for this calamity, launching a fierce wave of blasphemy against the true God. This sparked Augustines fervor to defend the City of God from the slanders and distortions of its adversaries. Over many years, he meticulously crafted this monumental work, comprising twenty-two books. The first five respond to those who claim that the prosperity of Rome was tied to its polytheistic traditions, while the next five address those who acknowledge the inevitability of human suffering yet still regard the old religion as a pathway to the afterlife. The final twelve books offer a deep exploration of the origins, histories, and destinies of both the City of God and the City of the World. Due to the extensive nature of this work, the author presents a selection of key passages for translation, thoughtfully connected by arguments in brackets. (Abridger) - Summary by Augustine of Hippo