The City of God · Chapter
Chapter XX: That Christians Have No Authority for Committing Suicide in Any Circumstances Whatever explained
Augustine argues that suicide is prohibited by the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill,' as it applies to all humans, including oneself, and that no biblical passage permits self-killing for any reason.
What happens
Augustine argues that suicide is prohibited by the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill,' as it applies to all humans, including oneself, and that no biblical passage permits self-killing for any reason.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the irreversible psychological and spiritual turning poin…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption
Augustine uses biblical law to establish a moral prohibition against suicide, contrasting with pagan practices.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author of the chapter, arguing against suicide based on biblical law.
- Holy Scripture
Cited as the source of the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' and the principle of neighborly love.
Key passages
“Thou shalt not kill.”
The commandment forbids killing any human, including oneself.
Augustine interprets the commandment as universal, with no exception for self-killing.
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Love for others is based on proper self-love, which prohibits self-harm.
Used to argue that false witness against oneself is still a sin, and similarly suicide is self-murder.
