041 - Book XVI Chapters 32-43

In the wake of the Gothic siege and sack of Rome, the pagans sought to blame the calamity on Christianity, launching a fierce campaign against the true God with unprecedented vitriol. This backlash ignited my passion for defending the faith and articulating the essence of the City of God in response to these misrepresentations. Over several years, I meticulously crafted this monumental work, culminating in twenty-two books. The initial five books dismantle the notion that polytheistic worship is essential for earthly prosperity, countering the belief that such tragedies stem from its rejection. The next five engage with those who acknowledge the inevitability of suffering yet argue that worship of the gods offers hope for the afterlife. In these ten volumes, I rigorously challenge both perspectives that oppose the Christian doctrine. To ensure the foundation of my beliefs is firmly established, the latter twelve books delve into the contrasting histories and destinies of the City of God and the City of the World. Though intertwined, the narrative celebrates the virtues of the City of God, as I illuminate its profound significance and divine promise. (Summary by the author in his Retractationes (ii. 43) as translated by Marcus Dods)