The City of God · Chapter
That the flaw of wickedness is not nature, but contrary to nature, and has its origin, not in the Creator, but in the will. explained
Augustine argues that wickedness is not a natural flaw but a defect of the will, contrary to nature.
What happens
Augustine argues that wickedness is not a natural flaw but a defect of the will, contrary to nature. He explains that even the devil was created good by God, but became wicked through his own will. God, as the supremely good Creator, rules evil wills justly and uses them for good purposes, as seen in the devil's temptations benefiting the faithful.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- Sin, Grace, and Redemption
Discusses the origin of sin in the will, not in nature, and God's redemptive use of evil wills for good.
- Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption
Contrasts the goodness of created nature with the vice of wicked will, emphasizing moral responsibility.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author of the chapter, arguing that wickedness originates in the will, not in nature or the Creator.
- Jesus Christ
Referenced indirectly as the one through whom God's good use of evil wills is manifested.
Key passages
“the flaw of wickedness is not nature, but contrary to nature, and has its origin, not in the Creator, but in the will.”
Wickedness is not a natural defect but a corruption of the will, and it does not come from God but from the creature's own choice.
Central thesis of the chapter.
“God, as He is the supremely good Creator of good natures, so is He of evil wills the most just Ruler; so that, while they make an ill use of good natures, He makes a good use even of evil wills.”
God, who creates good natures, also justly governs evil wills, turning their misuse of good things into a means for good.
Explains divine providence over evil.
