The Thomistic Institute The City of God and the Earthly City: War and Peace | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
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Sep 20, 2024 Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., a professor of patristics and ancient languages, delves into Augustine’s influential concepts of the 'City of God' and the earthly city. He discusses the moral complexities of just wars and the role of faith in achieving true peace. Fr. Hofer critiques modern interpretations while emphasizing the importance of divine grace over superficial happiness. The conversation artfully weaves together themes of humility, love, and the pursuit of eternal life, providing both contemporary relevance and theological depth.
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Two Conditions Of The City Of God
- Augustine frames the City of God as two conditions: a pilgrim church on earth living in hope and the heavenly city at rest in perfect peace.
- He contrasts their states to show the earthly city's mixture with the ungodly and the heavenly city's ultimate victory and stability.
Marcellinus Executed Then Honored
- Hofer recounts Marcellinus receiving City of God and later being falsely accused and executed then posthumously honored as a saint.
- This concrete irony links Augustine's defense of the heavenly city to real-world injustice faced by his book's recipient.
Structure Of City Of God Explained
- Augustine divides City of God into two main parts: books 1–10 refute pagan claims and 11–22 develop Christian doctrine about origins, progress, and ends.
- He intentionally structures the work to first defend Christianity then explain the two cities' beginnings, development, and destinies.