# Augustine — The City of God character guide > Augustine in The City of God by Augustine of Hippo. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Hippo, Compare Augustine, Augustine De Genesi, Augustine of Hippo **First appearance:** 0001-on-the-city-of-god-against-the-pagans ## Snapshot Bishop of Hippo and the restless mind behind this vast apology, writing in Rome's aftershock to prove that Christianity did not break the empire. ## Who they are Augustine begins this work in AD 413, the year after Rome was sacked, addressing cultivated Romans like Volusian whose doubts are political and social, not merely speculative. He carries the weight of a task he suspects may exceed even his own learning and eloquence, yet he refuses to offer the threadbare arguments of earlier apologists. His answer will reframe all of history as the slow, hidden growth of two cities, and that ambition is what makes the early books so urgent. ## In the story ### [Editor's Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/editor-s-preface) Author of the City of God; his zeal for the house of God prompted the defense of the city of God against pagan charges. ### [On the City of God Against the Pagans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/on-the-city-of-god-against-the-pagans) Author and defender of the City of God, responding to pagan criticisms. ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-i) Author and defender of the City of God, addressing the pagans and explaining the divine purpose behind temporal sufferings. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and defender of the city of God against its adversaries. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Author and narrator of the argument against sparing the vanquished for their gods. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Author and critic of Roman paganism, arguing against the worship of conquered gods. ### [Of the asylum of Juno in Troy, which saved no one from the Greeks; and of the churches of the apostles, which protected from the barbarians all who fled to them.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Author and narrator, drawing the comparison between pagan and Christian sacred spaces. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-v) Author of the City of God, citing Caesar's speech to argue that the sack of Rome was not uniquely cruel. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Author and narrator, arguing against Roman hypocrisy. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Author of the chapter, interpreting the sack of Rome. ### [Of the advantages and disadvantages which often indiscriminately accrue to good and wicked men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Author and speaker, presenting the argument on divine providence and the commonality of temporal goods and ills. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Author and expositor of the reasons for shared temporal punishments. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-x) Author and narrator, reflecting on the spiritual profit of losing temporal goods. ### [Of the end of this life, whether it is material that it be long delayed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Author and speaker, arguing that the length and manner of death are irrelevant for the righteous. ### [Of the burial of the dead: that the denial of it to Christians does them no injury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Author and defender of the City of God, arguing against those who mock Christian beliefs about burial and resurrection. ### [Reasons for Burying the Bodies of the Saints](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiii) Author and theologian, arguing for the proper care of the bodies of the saints. ### [Of the captivity of the saints, and that divine consolation never failed them therein.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv) Author and speaker defending Christian captives against pagan criticism. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xv) Author of the chapter; uses the example of Regulus to argue against pagan criticisms of Christianity. ### [Of the violation of the consecrated and other Christian virgins to which they were subjected in captivity, and to which their own will gave no consent; and whether this contaminated their souls.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) Author and defender of Christian virtue, arguing that chastity is a virtue of the soul, not the body, and that forced violation does not contaminate the soul if the will remains unshaken. ### [Of suicide committed through fear of punishment or dishonour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvii) Author and primary voice arguing against the justification of suicide. ### [Of the violence which may be done to the body by another's lust, while the mind remains inviolate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Author and theologian arguing that purity is a virtue of the soul, not the body. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Author and narrator; presents the argument regarding Lucretia and Christian women. ### [Chapter XX: That Christians Have No Authority for Committing Suicide in Any Circumstances Whatever](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Author of the chapter, arguing against suicide based on biblical law. ### [Of the cases in which we may put men to death without incurring the guilt of murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxi) Author of the chapter, expounding on the moral and divine justifications for killing. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) Author and primary voice arguing against suicide as magnanimous. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiv) Author of the chapter, arguing for Christian forbearance against suicide. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxv) Author and primary voice arguing against suicide as a means to prevent sin. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvi) Author and primary voice, analyzing the morality of suicide and the limits of following saintly examples. ### [Whether voluntary death should be sought in order to avoid sin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvii) Author and primary voice arguing against the justification of suicide to avoid sin. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxviii) Author of the chapter, addressing the faithful and interpreting God's judgment. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxix) Author and speaker, providing the Christian reply to unbelievers. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxi) Authorial voice analyzing Roman moral decline and contrasting pagan wisdom with heavenly doctrine. ### [Of the establishment of scenic entertainments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxii) Author and narrator, delivering a critique of pagan gods and their establishment of scenic entertainments. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiii) Author of the chapter, delivering a moral rebuke to the Romans. ### [Of God's Clemency in Moderating the Ruin of the City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiv) Author of the chapter, interpreting the sack of Rome as an act of divine clemency. ### [Of the sons of the church who are hidden among the wicked, and of false Christians within the church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxv) Author and speaker, addressing the redeemed family of Christ and the pilgrim city. ### [What subjects are to be handled in the following discourse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxvi) Author and speaker, outlining the forthcoming discourse. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-ii) Author and narrator, defending Christianity against pagan accusations. ### [Of the limits which must be put to the necessity of replying to an adversary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and speaker, addressing his son Marcellinus and reflecting on the limits of disputation. ### [Recapitulation of the Contents of the First Book](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Author and narrator, recapitulating his defense of Christianity against pagan accusations regarding the sack of Rome. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Author and speaker, addressing ignorant men and educated pagans who blame Christianity for disasters. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Recalls his own youthful attendance at pagan spectacles and criticizes the lack of moral instruction from the gods. ### [Of the obscenities practised in honour of the mother of the gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-v) Author of the chapter, critiquing the pagan rites and contrasting them with true piety. ### [That the gods of the pagans never inculcated holiness of life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Author and speaker, challenging pagan claims about moral instruction from the gods. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Author and narrator, arguing against pagan religion and philosophy. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Author of the chapter, arguing that the gods themselves commanded theatrical entertainments and that these plays, even when impure, are part of a liberal education. ### [Chapter X: The Malice of Devils in Permitting False Crimes to Be Laid to Their Charge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-x) Author and commentator, analyzing the malice of devils and the moral implications of pagan myths. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Author and commentator on the Greek practice of honoring actors. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Author and critic of Roman hypocrisy regarding poets' treatment of gods vs. citizens. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv) Author and narrator, arguing against the moral corruption of pagan gods and comparing them unfavorably to Plato. ### [Chapter XV: That it was vanity, not reason, which created some of the Roman gods.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xv) Author and commentator critiquing Roman religious practices. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) Author and critic of Roman religion, arguing that the gods failed to provide moral guidance. ### [Of the rape of the Sabine women, and other iniquities perpetrated in Rome’s palmiest days.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvii) Author and commentator, critiquing Roman morality. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Author and narrator; interprets Roman history to defend Christianity against pagan accusations. ### [Of the corruption which had grown upon the Roman republic before Christ abolished the worship of the gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Author and speaker; argues that Roman corruption predates Christ and contrasts pagan silence on morality with Christian precepts. ### [Chapter XX: Of the kind of happiness and life truly delighted in by those who inveigh against the Christian religion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Author and critic of pagan desires for a licentious republic ### [Chapter XXI: Cicero's Opinion of the Roman Republic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxi) Author and commentator, analyzing Cicero's views on the Roman republic and asserting the primacy of the City of God. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) Author and speaker, arguing against the pagan gods' failure to reform Roman morality. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii) Author and narrator, arguing against the power of demons and for the sovereignty of God. ### [Of the deeds of Sylla, in which the demons boasted that he had their help.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiv) Author and commentator, analyzing the demonic nature of the pagan gods' involvement in Sylla's actions. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxv) Author and narrator, arguing against pagan gods and defending Christ's moral precepts. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvi) Author and narrator, analyzing the hypocrisy of demonic worship. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvii) Author and commentator, criticizing Roman religious practices. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxviii) Author and defender of the Christian faith, arguing for the health-giving nature of Christianity against pagan complaints. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxix) Author and speaker, exhorting the Romans to abandon paganism and embrace the true God. ### [Book III: External Calamities and the Failure of the Pagan Gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-iii) Author and narrator, arguing against pagan gods' efficacy. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and speaker, reflecting on the failure of pagan gods to prevent earthly calamities. ### [Whether the gods, whom the Greeks and Romans worshipped in common, were justified in permitting the destruction of Ilium](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Author of the City of God, questioning the justice of the gods in permitting Troy's destruction. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Author and speaker, refuting pagan claims about the gods' anger at Paris's adultery. ### [Of Varro's opinion, that it is useful for men to feign themselves the offspring of the gods.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Author and critic of Varro's opinion. ### [Chapter V: The Inconsistency of the Gods' Anger at Adultery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-v) Author and narrator, presenting the argument against pagan gods. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Author of the chapter, analyzing the moral inconsistency of pagan gods and defending the Christian perspective. ### [Whether Rome ought to have been entrusted to the Trojan gods?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Author and critic of the Trojan gods' reliability. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Author and narrator, critically examining the role of Roman gods in granting peace. ### [Chapter X: The Price of Empire and the Illusion of Peace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-x) Author and narrator, analyzing Roman history and the role of the gods. ### [Of the statue of Apollo at Cumae, whose tears are supposed to have portended disaster to the Greeks, whom the god was unable to succour.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Augustine analyzes the story of Apollo's weeping statue to critique pagan religion. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv) Author and critic of Roman warfare and ambition. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xv) Author and commentator, analyzing the moral failings of Roman kings and the indifference of the gods. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvii) Author of the City of God, he narrates the calamities of Rome to refute pagan accusations against Christianity. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Author and narrator, arguing against the efficacy of pagan gods. ### [Of the calamity of the second Punic war, which consumed the strength of both parties](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Author and narrator, reflecting on the calamities of the Second Punic War. ### [Of the Destruction of the Saguntines, Who Received No Help from the Roman Gods, Though Perishing on Account of Their Fidelity to Rome](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Author and narrator, arguing against the efficacy of pagan gods. ### [Of the edict of Mithridates, commanding that all Roman citizens found in Asia should be slain.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) The author who recounts the Mithridatic massacre and challenges pagan reliance on auguries. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii) Author and commentator on the internal disasters of Rome, drawing parallels to contemporary pagan criticisms. ### [Of the civil dissension occasioned by the sedition of the Gracchi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiv) Author and narrator of the historical account. ### [Of the temple of Concord, which was erected by a decree of the senate on the scene of these seditions and massacres.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxv) Author and critic of Roman religious practices, analyzing the absurdity of building a temple to Concord on a site of massacre. ### [Of the various kinds of wars which followed the building of the temple of Concord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvi) Author and narrator, analyzing the failure of the temple of Concord to prevent subsequent wars. ### [Of the connection of the wars which with great severity and frequency followed one another before the advent of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxx) Author of the chapter, arguing that Roman civil wars predate Christ and are not caused by Christianity. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxi) Author and speaker; defends Christianity against accusations of causing calamities. ### [Book IV: The One True God, Not the Pagan Gods, Is the Author of Earthly Kingdoms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-iv) Author and narrator; argues that the Roman empire's success is due to the one true God, not pagan gods. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and narrator, defending the City of God against its critics. ### [Of those things which are contained in Books II and III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Author and narrator, summarizing the content of Books II and III and outlining his argument against pagan accusations. ### [Whether the Great Extent of the Empire is to Be Reckoned Among the Good Things of the Wise or the Happy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Author and narrator, analyzing the nature of empire and true happiness. ### [How Like Kingdoms Without Justice Are to Robberies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Author and narrator of the argument comparing unjust kingdoms to robberies. ### [Concerning the covetousness of Ninus, who was the first who made war on his neighbours, that he might rule more widely.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Author reflecting on the moral implications of Ninus's conquests. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Author and speaker, arguing against attributing Roman success to pagan gods. ### [Chapter VIII: Which of the gods can the Romans suppose presided over the increase and preservation of their empire, when they have believed that even the care of single things could scarcely be committed to single gods?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Author and critic of Roman polytheism, arguing against the efficacy of specialized gods. ### [Whether the great extent and long duration of the Roman empire should be ascribed to Jove, whom his worshippers believe to be the chief god.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Author and narrator, questioning the attribution of Rome's success to Jove. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Author and critic of the pantheistic view that God is the soul of the world. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiii) Author and critic of pagan theology, arguing against the notion that rational animals are parts of God. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv) Author of the critique, questioning Roman religious attributions and moral justifications for war. ### [Whether it is suitable for good men to wish to rule more widely](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xv) Author of the chapter, presenting the argument that good men only desire empire out of necessity, not joy. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) Author and commentator, questioning Roman religious practices and contrasting them with Christian teaching. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvii) Author and critic of pagan theology, arguing against the deification of Victory. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Author and critic of pagan theology, deconstructing the distinction between Felicity and Fortune. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Author and critic of pagan religion, analyzing the tradition of Fortuna Muliebris. ### [Chapter XX: Concerning Virtue and Faith, Which the Pagans Have Honoured with Temples and Sacred Rites](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Author and critic of pagan deification of virtues. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxi) Author and primary voice, critiquing pagan polytheism and arguing for the unity of divine gifts. ### [Concerning Felicity, whom the Romans, who venerate many gods, for a long time did not worship with divine honour, though she alone would have sufficed instead of all.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii) Author and critic of Roman religion, arguing for the worship of the one true God. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiv) Author and critic of pagan religious practices, analyzing the logic behind naming gods after divine gifts. ### [Concerning the One God Only to Be Worshipped](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxv) Author and speaker, arguing for the worship of the one true God as the giver of felicity. ### [Of the scenic plays, the celebration of which the gods have exacted from their worshippers.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvi) Author and commentator, arguing against the worship of pagan gods through shameful plays. ### [Whether the worship of the gods has been of service to the Romans in obtaining and extending the empire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxviii) Author and speaker, arguing against the efficacy of pagan worship for Roman imperial success. ### [Of the falsity of the augury by which the strength and stability of the Roman empire was considered to be indicated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxix) Author and critic of Roman augury, arguing that historical defeats disprove the claimed invincibility of Roman gods. ### [The Confessions of the Pagan Philosophers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxx) The author who analyzes Cicero's and Balbus's critiques of pagan religion. ### [Concerning the opinions of Varro, who, while reprobating the popular belief, thought that their worship should be confined to one god, though he was unable to discover the true God.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxi) Analyzes Varro's writings and contrasts pagan error with Christian truth. ### [Chapter XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxii) Author and commentator, analyzing the motives of rulers in perpetuating false religion. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiii) The author and speaker, articulating the divine governance of kingdoms and the nature of true felicity. ### [Concerning the kingdom of the Jews, which was founded by the one and true God, and preserved by Him as long as they remained in the true religion.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiv) Author and narrator, contrasting the true worship of God with Roman paganism. ### [Book V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-v) Author and primary voice, refuting fate and false gods, analyzing Roman virtues. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and primary speaker; argues against fortuitous or fatal causes for the Roman empire, asserting divine providence. ### [On the Difference in the Health of Twins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Author and narrator, presenting a critical analysis of astrological determinism versus medical explanation. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Author and critic of Nigidius's astrological argument. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-v) Author and primary voice refuting astrological determinism. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Author and narrator, argues against astrological determinism using the example of twins. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Author and critic of astrological determinism and day-choosing superstitions. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Author and commentator on the nature of fate and divine will. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Author and defender of the compatibility of divine foreknowledge and free will. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-x) Author of the chapter, arguing for the compatibility of divine foreknowledge and human free will. ### [Concerning the Universal Providence of God in the Laws of Which All Things Are Comprehended](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Author of the chapter, articulating the doctrine of universal divine providence. ### [By What Virtues the Ancient Romans Merited That the True God, Although They Did Not Worship Him, Should Enlarge Their Empire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Author and narrator, analyzing Roman virtues and divine providence. ### [Concerning the Love of Praise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiii) Author and commentator on the love of praise as a vice. ### [Concerning the eradication of the love of human praise, because all the glory of the righteous is in God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv) Author of the chapter, expounding on the eradication of the love of human praise and the superiority of divine glory. ### [Concerning the temporal reward which God granted to the virtues of the Romans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xv) Author and speaker; argues that God gave temporal rewards to Roman virtues. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) Author of the chapter, contrasting the rewards of the celestial city with those of Rome. ### [Chapter XVII: On the Profit of Roman Wars and the True Glory of the Heavenly City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvii) Author and commentator, reflecting on the moral and spiritual lessons of Roman history. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Author of the chapter, comparing Roman virtues to Christian duties. ### [Chapter XIX: True Glory vs. the Desire for Domination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Author and narrator; distinguishes true virtue from the desire for domination and human glory. ### [Chapter XX: The Shame of Virtue Serving Human Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Author and narrator, presenting a critique of philosophers who subordinate virtue to human glory or pleasure. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxi) Author and speaker, asserting that all earthly power is granted by the true God. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) Author of the chapter, arguing that war durations are determined by God's will. ### [Concerning the war in which Radagaisus, king of the Goths, a worshipper of demons, was conquered in one day, with all his mighty forces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii) Author and narrator, reflecting on recent events and defending Christian providence. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiv) Author of the chapter, defining the criteria for true happiness of Christian emperors. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxv) Author of the chapter, reflecting on divine providence in the lives of emperors. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvi) Augustine narrates and defends the Christian perspective, concluding his five-book argument against pagan gods. ### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-vi) Author and primary disputant, refuting those who worship gods for eternal life. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and primary voice of the chapter, refuting the claim that pagan gods can grant eternal life. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Author and commentator, analyzing Varro's writings to argue against pagan religion. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-v) Author and commentator, analyzing Varro's classification of theology. ### [Concerning the Mythic, Fabulous, and Civil Theology Against Varro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Author and critic of Varro's theological divisions; argues against civil and fabulous theologies. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Author and critic of pagan civil theology, arguing its identity with fabulous theology. ### [Chapter VIII: Concerning the interpretations, consisting of natural explanations, which the pagan teachers attempt to show for their gods.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Author and critic of pagan theology, arguing against natural interpretations of the gods. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Author and critic of Roman civil theology; exposes the absurdity of specialized pagan deities. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Comments on Seneca's views and discusses the divine authority of Jewish rites. ### [That when once the vanity of the gods of the nations has been exposed, it cannot be doubted that they are unable to bestow eternal life on anyone, when they cannot afford help even with respect to the things of this temporal life.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Author and speaker, arguing against the civil theology and asserting that only God gives true happiness and eternal life. ### [Book VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-vii) Author and narrator; argues against the civil theology and its select gods, seeking to tear up ancient errors and commend true worship of the one God. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and narrator, continuing his critique of civil theology and the select gods. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Author and critic of Varro's classification of select gods. ### [Chapter III: How there is no reason which can be shown for the selection of certain gods, when the administration of more exalted offices is assigned to many inferior gods.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Author and critic of pagan theology, analyzing the inconsistency in the selection of gods. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Author and commentator, analyzing the relative innocence and infamy of the gods. ### [Concerning the more secret doctrine of the pagans, and concerning the physical interpretations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-v) Author and critic of pagan theology, analyzing Varro's doctrines. ### [Concerning the opinion of Varro, that God is the soul of the world, which nevertheless, in its various parts, has many souls whose nature is divine.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Summarizes and critiques Varro's natural theology, planning to discuss it further after civil theology. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Author and critic of Roman polytheism, analyzing the logical inconsistency in separating Janus and Terminus. ### [Chapter VIII: The Absurdity of Janus Worship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Author and critic of pagan religion, arguing against the worship of Janus. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Author and critic of pagan theology, analyzing the roles of Janus and Jupiter. ### [Whether the distinction between Janus and Jupiter is a proper one](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-x) Author and critic of pagan polytheism, questioning the logical consistency of distinguishing Janus and Jupiter. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Author of the critique, contrasting true riches (wisdom, virtue) with money and avarice. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiii) Author and critic of pagan theology, exposing the contradictions in identifying multiple gods with Jupiter. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv) Author and critic of pagan theology, deconstructing the roles of Mercury and Mars. ### [Concerning Apollo and Diana, and the other select gods whom they would have to be parts of the world](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) Author and critic of pagan theology, exposing the contradictions in identifying gods with parts of the world. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Author and critic of pagan religion, providing a more credible account of the origin of the gods. ### [Chapter XIX: Concerning the interpretations which compose the reason of the worship of Saturn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Author and critic of Varro's interpretations of Saturn. ### [Concerning the rites of Eleusinian Ceres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Author and critic, analyzing Varro's interpretation of Eleusinian rites. ### [Concerning the shamefulness of the rites which are celebrated in honour of Liber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxi) Author and critic of pagan rites, denouncing the worship of Liber. ### [Concerning Neptune, and Salacia, and Venilia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) Author and critic of pagan theology, questioning the logic behind multiple sea deities. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii) Author and critic of Varro's natural theology; argues against the deification of the earth and the logical inconsistencies in pagan worship. ### [Concerning the surnames of Tellus and their significations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiv) Author and critic of pagan polytheism, analyzing Varro's views on Tellus. ### [Concerning the Abomination of the Sacred Rites of the Great Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvi) Author and critic of pagan rites, denouncing the Great Mother's cult. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvii) Author and critic of pagan theology, arguing against the worship of created things and the use of obscene rites. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxix) Author and speaker, presenting the argument that pagan physical interpretations should be redirected to the true God. ### [How Piety Distinguishes the Creator from the Creatures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxx) Author and expositor, distinguishing true worship of the one God from pagan polytheism. ### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxi) Author and speaker, reflecting on God's special benefits to the good. ### [That at no time in the past was the mystery of Christ’s redemption awanting, but was at all times declared, though in various forms.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxii) Author and expositor of the mystery of Christ's redemption throughout history. ### [That Only Through the Christian Religion Could the Deceit of Malign Spirits Have Been Manifested](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiii) Author and expositor of the Christian truth against pagan deceit. ### [Concerning the books of Numa Pompilius, which the senate ordered to be burned, in order that the causes of sacred rites therein assigned should not become known.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiv) Author who analyzes the event, arguing that the causes were demonic and that the senate's action was an attempt to suppress dangerous knowledge. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxv) Author and commentator, analyzing Numa's hydromancy and contrasting it with true worship. ### [Book VIII: Natural Theology and the Platonists](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-viii) Author and primary voice; engages with Platonists and refutes demonic mediation. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and narrator, setting up the theological debate with philosophers. ### [Concerning the two schools of philosophers, that is, the Italic and Ionic, and their founders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Author of the chapter, providing a historical survey of Greek philosophical schools. ### [Of the Socratic philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Authorial voice analyzing Socrates' motives and legacy. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-v) Author and primary voice, arguing for the superiority of Platonic philosophy over other schools and theologies. ### [Concerning the meaning of the Platonists in that part of philosophy called physical](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Augustine expounds on the Platonists' philosophical insights, affirming their recognition of the unchangeable God as the source of all being. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Author and narrator of the chapter, comparing Platonists with other philosophers. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Author and expositor of the Platonist moral philosophy. ### [Concerning that philosophy which has come nearest to the Christian faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Author and speaker, evaluating philosophical schools in relation to Christian faith. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-x) Author and narrator, comparing Christian doctrine with philosophical schools. ### [How Plato has been able to approach so nearly to Christian knowledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Author of the chapter, analyzing Plato's knowledge of Christian truth. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Author and narrator, selecting the Platonists as interlocutors for the debate on natural theology. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiii) Author and narrator, analyzing Plato's view of the gods and refuting pagan religious practices. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv) Author and critic of the Platonic tripartite division of souls and the role of demons. ### [XV That the demons are not better than men because of their aerial bodies, or on account of their superior place of abode.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xv) Author and speaker; argues against the notion that demons are superior to humans due to their aerial bodies or higher abode. ### [What Apuleius the Platonist thought concerning the manners and actions of demons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) Augustine analyzes and refutes Apuleius's views on demons. ### [Whether it is proper that men should worship those spirits from whose vices it is necessary that they be freed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvii) Author and primary voice arguing against demon worship. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Author and critic of pagan theology, arguing against the necessity of demonic mediation. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Author and commentator, arguing against magic arts and defending Christian martyrs. ### [Chapter XX: The Absurdity of Demonic Mediation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Author and speaker, delivering a rhetorical critique of pagan theology. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxi) Author and critic of Platonic demonology, arguing against the necessity of demons as intermediaries. ### [XXII That we must, notwithstanding the opinion of Apuleius, reject the worship of demons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) Author and speaker, rejecting the demonology of Apuleius and asserting the true nature of demons as fallen spirits. ### [Chapter XXIV: Hermes' Confession of the Error of Making Gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiv) Analyzes Hermes' confession, contrasts it with prophetic joy, and argues that demons are not mediators but deceivers. ### [Concerning those things which may be common to the holy angels and to men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxv) Author and theologian, argues against demonic mediation and for fellowship with angels through good will and faith. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvi) Author and narrator; argues that pagan gods are dead men and contrasts pagan worship with Christian martyrs. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvii) Author and speaker, distinguishing Christian veneration of martyrs from pagan worship. ### [Book IX: The Mediation of Demons and the Unique Mediation of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-ix) Author and narrator, refuting Platonist views on demons and defending Christian doctrine. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and narrator of the discussion, framing the debate against the Platonists. ### [Whether Among the Demons There Are Any Good Spirits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Author and narrator, continuing his argument against Platonist demonology. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Author who analyzes and refutes Apuleius's view of demons, contrasting them with wise men who resist passions. ### [Chapter IV: The Opinion of the Peripatetics and Stoics About Mental Emotions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Author and narrator, analyzing philosophical views on emotions. ### [That the passions which assail the souls of Christians do not seduce them to vice, but exercise their virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-v) Author and expositor of Christian ethics regarding the passions. ### [Of the passions which, according to Apuleius, agitate the demons who are supposed by him to mediate between gods and men.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Augustine critiques the Platonist view of demons and their passions. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Author and commentator, analyzing Apuleius's views on demons and gods. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Critiques Apuleius' definition, pointing out its failure to distinguish good from bad demons. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Author and primary voice, arguing against the demonic mediation between gods and men. ### [Chapter X: Plotinus on the Wretchedness of Demons Compared to Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-x) Augustine analyzes and critiques Plotinus's comparison of human and demonic souls. ### [Of the opinion of the Platonists, that the souls of men become demons when disembodied.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Author and critic of the Platonist doctrine that human souls become demons after death. ### [Of the three opposite qualities by which the Platonists distinguish between the nature of men and that of demons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Augustine analyzes and critiques the Platonist classification of beings, contrasting the nature of gods and men. ### [Chapter XIII: How the Demons Can Mediate Between Gods and Men if They Have Nothing in Common with Both](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiii) Author and critic of the Platonic demonology, arguing against the mediatory role of demons. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv) Author and philosopher posing the question of mortal blessedness and critiquing the idea of wise men as mediators. ### [Of the man Christ Jesus, the Mediator between God and men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xv) Author of the chapter, expounding on the role of Christ as Mediator. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) Author and critic of Platonist demonology. ### [That to obtain the blessed life, which consists in partaking of the supreme good, man needs such mediation as is furnished not by a demon, but by Christ alone.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvii) Author and speaker, expressing surprise at learned men who value bodily contact for the blessed life and citing Plotinus. ### [That the deceitful demons, while promising to conduct men to God by their intercession, mean to turn them from the path of truth.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Author and speaker, arguing against demonic mediation and for direct purification by God. ### [Chapter XIX: That even among their own worshippers the name 'demon' has never a good signification](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Author and speaker, arguing about the terminology of demons and angels. ### [Of the kind of knowledge which puffs up the demons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Author and commentator, analyzing the nature of demons and the contrast between knowledge and charity. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) Author of the chapter, explaining the difference between angelic and demonic knowledge. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii) Author and primary voice, arguing against Platonist views on gods and demons. ### [Book X: True Worship and the Way to Blessedness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-book-x) Author and primary voice of the chapter, teaching about true worship and refuting Porphyry. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-i) Author and narrator, distinguishing true worship from pagan practices. ### [The Opinion of Plotinus the Platonist Regarding Enlightenment from Above](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Author and narrator, presenting and endorsing Plotinus's view on divine illumination. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Author and expositor of true worship versus Platonic error. ### [That Sacrifice Is Due to the True God Only](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Author and theologian arguing that sacrifice is due only to the true God. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-v) Author and expositor of the meaning of sacrifice. ### [Of the true and perfect sacrifice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Author and expositor of the nature of true sacrifice. ### [Of the love of the holy angels, which prompts them to desire that we worship the one true God, and not themselves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Author and expositor of the City of God, explaining the role of angels in directing worship to God alone. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Author and narrator, recounting biblical miracles to confirm God's promises. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Author and critic of theurgy and demonolatry, contrasting them with true worship. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-x) Author and critic of theurgy, arguing against demonic deception. ### [Of Porphyry's Epistle to Anebo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Author and commentator, analyzing Porphyry's letter and contrasting pagan confusion with Christian certainty. ### [Of the miracles wrought by the true God through the ministry of the holy angels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Author of the chapter, presenting the argument that true miracles are those that lead to the worship of the one God. ### [Of the invisible God, who has often made Himself visible, not as He really is, but as the beholders could bear the sight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiii) Author and expositor of the chapter, explaining the nature of God's visible appearances. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xiv) Author and narrator of the chapter, presenting the argument for worshipping the one God for both temporal and eternal blessings. ### [Of the ministry of the holy angels, by which they fulfil the providence of God.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xv) Author and expositor of the ministry of angels and Divine Providence. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) Author and primary voice, arguing for the worship of the one God over false gods and demons. ### [Concerning the ark of the covenant, and the miraculous signs whereby God authenticated the law and the promise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xvii) Author and narrator, expounding on the significance of the Ark of the Covenant and the miracles that authenticated the law. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xviii) Author and defender of the Church's miracles against pagan denial. ### [On the reasonableness of offering, as the true religion teaches, a visible sacrifice to the one true and invisible God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xix) Author and theologian presenting the argument on proper sacrifice. ### [Of the supreme and true sacrifice which was effected by the Mediator between God and men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xx) Author of the chapter, explaining the nature of Christ's sacrifice and its relation to the Church. ### [Of the power delegated to demons for the trial and glorification of the saints, who conquer not by propitiating the spirits of the air, but by abiding in God.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxi) Author and narrator, explaining the divine purpose behind demonic persecution and contrasting Christian martyrdom with pagan hero myths. ### [Whence the saints derive power against demons and true purification of heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) Author of the chapter, explaining the source of saints' power against demons and the role of divine grace. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii) Author and critic of Platonist purification theories. ### [Of the one only true principle which alone purifies and renews human nature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxiv) Author and theologian, expounding the doctrine of Christ as the sole principle of purification. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxv) Author of the chapter, expounding on justification by faith and the distinction between the Old and New Testaments. ### [Of Porphyry’s weakness in wavering between the confession of the true God and the worship of demons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvi) Author and critic of Porphyry's inconsistency regarding the worship of demons and the true God. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxvii) Author and critic of Porphyry's theurgic teachings. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxviii) Author and critic of Porphyry's blindness to Christ as true wisdom. ### [Of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the Platonists in their impiety blush to acknowledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxix) Augustine addresses the Platonists, arguing for the necessity of the incarnation and criticizing their pride. ### [Porphyry's Emendations of Platonism on the Soul's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxx) Author and critic of Platonist doctrines, arguing for the superiority of Christian revelation. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxi) Author and speaker; argues against Platonist views on the soul's co-eternity with God. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-i-xxxii) Author and narrator, reflecting on the universal way of deliverance and refuting objections. ### [Book XI: The Origin of the Two Cities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xi) Author and narrator, explains the origin of the two cities and interprets the creation account. ### [Of this part of the work, wherein we begin to explain the origin and end of the two cities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author and narrator, explaining the origin and end of the two cities. ### [Of the knowledge of God, to which no man can attain save through the Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Author and narrator, expounding on the necessity of the Mediator for knowledge of God. ### [Of the authority of the canonical Scriptures composed by the Divine Spirit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Author of the chapter, explaining the authority of canonical Scripture. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author and primary voice, defending the creation of the world in time against philosophical objections. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) The author and speaker, defending the Christian doctrine of creation against philosophical objections about timing and location. ### [That the world and time had both one beginning, and the one did not anticipate the other](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author of the chapter, arguing that time began with creation. ### [Of the nature of the first days, which are said to have had morning and evening, before there was a sun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Author of the chapter, interpreting the first days of creation and the meaning of evening and morning. ### [What we are to understand of God’s resting on the seventh day, after the six days’ work](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author and interpreter of the meaning of God's rest. ### [What the Scriptures Teach Us to Believe Concerning the Creation of the Angels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author and theologian interpreting Scripture regarding the creation of angels. ### [Of the Simple and Unchangeable Trinity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-x) Author and theologian, expounding on the simplicity of the Trinity and the nature of divine wisdom. ### [Whether the angels that fell partook of the blessedness which the holy angels have always enjoyed from the time of their creation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xi) Author and theologian, argues that the fallen angels never fully participated in the eternal blessedness of the holy angels. ### [Chapter XII: A Comparison of the Blessedness of the Righteous and Our First Parents in Paradise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author of the chapter, comparing the blessedness of the righteous and the first parents in Paradise. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii) Author of the chapter, arguing about the state of angels and refuting Manichean heresy. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author and commentator, explaining the scriptural phrasing about the devil. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Author and interpreter of scripture, explaining the nature of the devil's sin. ### [Of the ranks and differences of the creatures, estimated by their utility, or according to the natural gradations of being](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author of the chapter, presenting the natural gradations of creatures and the distinction between natural order and human utility. ### [That the flaw of wickedness is not nature, but contrary to nature, and has its origin, not in the Creator, but in the will.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Author of the chapter, arguing that wickedness originates in the will, not in nature or the Creator. ### [Of the Beauty of the Universe, Which Becomes, by God's Ordinance, More Brilliant by the Opposition of Contraries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author of the chapter; explains God's use of contraries to beautify the universe. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xix) Author and interpreter of the biblical passage, explaining the allegorical meaning of the division of light and darkness. ### [Chapter XX: The Separation of Light and Darkness and Divine Approval](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Author and interpreter of the Genesis account, explaining the theological significance of divine approval. ### [Of God's Eternal and Unchangeable Knowledge and Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi) Author and expositor of the eternal and unchangeable knowledge of God. ### [Of those who do not approve of certain things which are a part of this good creation of a good Creator, and who think that there is some natural evil.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author of the chapter, arguing against heretics who deny the goodness of creation. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Author and critic of Origen's doctrine, defending the goodness of creation. ### [Of the divine Trinity, and the indications of its presence scattered everywhere among its works](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Author and expositor of the Trinity, interpreting the creation account as revealing the three persons. ### [Of the division of philosophy into three parts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv) Author of the chapter, reflecting on the threefold division of philosophy and its relation to God. ### [Of the image of the supreme Trinity, which we find in some sort in human nature even in its present state](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvi) Author and narrator, reflecting on the image of the Trinity in human nature. ### [Of existence, and knowledge of it, and the love of both](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Author and narrator, reflecting on the natural desire for existence and knowledge. ### [Whether we ought to love the love itself with which we love our existence and our knowledge of it, that so we may more nearly resemble the image of the divine Trinity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii) Author and narrator, reflecting on love, existence, and the image of the Trinity in humanity. ### [Of the knowledge by which the holy angels know God in His essence, and by which they see the causes of His works in the art of the worker, before they see them in the works of the artist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxix) Author and expositor of the knowledge of angels and the Trinity. ### [Of the Perfection of the Number Six](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxx) Author of the chapter, expounding on the perfection of the number six and its relation to God's creation. ### [Of the seventh day, in which completeness and repose are celebrated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxi) Author and commentator, reflecting on the seventh day and the perfection of the number seven. ### [Of the opinion that the angels were created before the world](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxii) Author of the chapter, presenting and discussing the opinion about the creation of angels before the world. ### [Of the two different and dissimilar communities of angels, which are not inappropriately signified by the names light and darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxiii) Author and interpreter of the Genesis account, explaining the two angelic communities as light and darkness. ### [Chapter XXIV: Of the idea that the angels were meant where the separation of the waters by the firmament is spoken of, and of that other idea that the waters were not created.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Author and interpreter of the creation account, refuting erroneous views about the waters and angels. ### [Book XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xii) Author and narrator; presents theological arguments on the origin of good and evil wills in angels and the creation of man. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author and narrator; presents the theological argument about the nature of angels and the origin of the two cities. ### [That there is no entity contrary to the divine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Author and speaker of the chapter, explaining the nature of God and creation. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Author of the chapter, expounding on the nature of vice and its relation to God and mutable natures. ### [Of the nature of irrational and lifeless creatures, which in their own kind and order do not mar the beauty of the universe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author of the chapter, arguing for the inherent goodness of all created things in their proper order. ### [That in all natures, of every kind and rank, God is glorified.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Author and expositor of the argument that all natures are good and serve God's providence. ### [What the cause of the blessedness of the good angels is, and what the cause of the misery of the wicked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author and narrator; presents the theological argument on the cause of good and evil wills. ### [That We Ought Not to Expect to Find Any Efficient Cause of the Evil Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Author of the chapter, explaining the nature of the evil will as a deficiency rather than an efficient cause. ### [Of the Misdirected Love Whereby the Will Fell Away from the Immutable to the Mutable Good](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author and speaker, analyzing the nature of the will's defection from the immutable good. ### [Chapter IX: Whether the Angels, Besides Receiving from God Their Nature, Received from Him Also Their Good Will by the Holy Spirit Imbuing Them with Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author and theologian, presents the argument on the origin of good and evil wills in angels. ### [Chapter X: Of the falseness of the history which allots many thousand years to the world’s past.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-x) Author and critic of pagan historical claims, defending the biblical chronology. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author of the City of God, responding to critics of the recent creation of man. ### [Of the revolution of the ages, which some philosophers believe will bring all things round again, after a certain fixed cycle, to the same order and form as at first.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii) Author of the chapter, arguing against cyclical time and defending linear, redemptive history. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author and expositor of the chapter, explaining the creation of man in time according to God's eternal design. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Author and narrator of the chapter, reflecting on the nature of God's sovereignty and the creation of angels and time. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author of the chapter, reflecting on God's eternal promise. ### [Chapter XVII: On God's Unchangeable Counsel and Will Against the Theory of Eternal Cycles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Author and defender of the faith, refuting philosophical arguments about eternal cycles and God's unchangeable will. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author and primary voice arguing against those who limit God's knowledge of the infinite. ### [Of worlds without end, or ages of ages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xix) Author and theologian, reflecting on the nature of 'ages of ages' and refuting cyclical time. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Author and primary voice, arguing against cyclical returns of souls and defending the possibility of new creations by God. ### [That there was created at first but one individual, and that the human race was created in him.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi) Author and theologian who explains the divine reasoning behind creating humanity from one individual. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author and theologian reflecting on God's foreknowledge of sin and grace. ### [Of the nature of the human soul created in the image of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Author of the chapter, explaining the nature of the human soul and God's creative power. ### [Whether the angels can be said to be the creators of any, even the least creature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Author and primary voice refuting the Platonic view of creation by lesser gods. ### [That God alone is the Creator of every kind of creature, whatever its nature or form](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv) The author and speaker, arguing that God alone is the Creator of all natures. ### [Of that opinion of the Platonists, that the angels were themselves indeed created by God, but that afterwards they created man’s body.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvi) Author and critic of Platonic and Porphyrian doctrines on creation and the soul. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Author and theologian, reflecting on the creation of the first man and the foreknowledge of the two cities. ### [Book XIII: Of the Good of Death, the Resurrection of the Flesh, and the Paradise of the First Parents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xiii) Author and primary voice; reflects on the theological transformation of death through grace and the resurrection of the body. ### [Of the fall of the first man, through which mortality has been contracted.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author and narrator, reflecting on the fall of the first man and the origin of human death. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) The author and narrator, providing theological analysis of the nature of death. ### [Whether Death, Which by the Sin of Our First Parents Has Passed Upon All Men, Is the Punishment of Sin, Even to the Good](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Author of the chapter, exploring the theological implications of death as punishment for sin. ### [Why Death, the Punishment of Sin, Is Not Withheld from Those Who by Grace Are Absolved from Sin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author of the chapter, explaining the theological relationship between sin, death, and grace. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Author and expositor of the relationship between law, sin, and death. ### [Of the evil of death in general, considered as the separation of soul and body.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author and narrator, reflecting on the nature of death. ### [Chapter VII: Of the death which the unbaptized suffer for the confession of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Author and theologian, expounding on the salvific power of confession and martyrdom for the unbaptized. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author of the chapter, explaining the nature of death and the distinction between the first and second death. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author and philosophical examiner of the nature of death and the moment of dying. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-x) Author of the reflection on life as a race towards death. ### [Chapter XI: Whether one can both be living and dead at the same time.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xi) Author and narrator, analyzing the paradox of death and the state of dying. ### [What death God intended, when He threatened our first parents with death if they should disobey His commandment.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author and interpreter of the divine threat of death to Adam and Eve. ### [What was the first punishment of the transgression of our first parents?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii) Author and commentator on the consequences of the first transgression. ### [In what state man was made by God, and into what estate he fell by the choice of his own will.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author of the chapter, explaining the state of man before and after the Fall. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Author and expositor of the meaning of Adam's sin and the two deaths. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author and defender of the City of God; argues against Platonist philosophers who deride Christian teaching on the body and soul. ### [Chapter XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Author and primary voice, refuting Platonist arguments about the impossibility of eternal earthly bodies. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author and defender of the faith, arguing against philosophical objections to the resurrection body. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xix) Author and primary voice, defending the Christian doctrine of original immortality and bodily resurrection. ### [Chapter XX: The Resurrection of the Flesh and the Perfection of the Spiritual Body](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Author of the chapter, expounding on the resurrection of the flesh and the spiritual body. ### [Of Paradise, that it can be understood in a spiritual sense without sacrificing the historic truth of the narrative regarding the real place.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi) Author of the chapter, defending the coexistence of literal and allegorical interpretations of Paradise. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author and theologian explaining the nature of resurrected bodies. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Author and expositor of the distinction between animal and spiritual bodies, and the consequences of sin and grace. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Author and theologian, interpreting Scripture and addressing theological questions about the soul and body. ### [Book XIV: The Sin of the First Man and the Two Cities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xiv) Author and theologian, expounding on the sin of the first man, the nature of carnal life, and the two cities. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author and narrator, expounding on the consequences of original sin and the division of humanity into two cities. ### [Of Carnal Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Author and expositor of the meaning of 'living after the flesh' in Scripture. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Author and primary voice, arguing that sin is caused by the soul, not the flesh. ### [Chapter IV: What it is to live according to man, and what to live according to God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author and expositor of the distinction between living according to man and according to God. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Author and primary voice, critiquing Platonist and Manichaean views on body and soul. ### [Of the Character of the Human Will Which Makes the Affections of the Soul Right or Wrong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author and primary voice, analyzing the nature of the will and its role in shaping the soul's affections. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Author of the chapter, analyzing the scriptural usage of love and related emotions. ### [Chapter VIII: Of the Three Perturbations and the Stoic View of the Wise Man's Emotions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author of the chapter, analyzing Stoic philosophy and Scripture. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author and narrator, defending the proper use of emotions in the life of the righteous. ### [Of the fall of the first man, in whom nature was created good, and can be restored only by its Author](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xi) Author and theologian, provides commentary on the fall of man and God's foreknowledge. ### [Of the nature of man’s first sin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author and theologian, analyzing the nature and gravity of the first sin. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii) Author and theologian, analyzing the nature of sin, pride, and the fall of Adam. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author and commentator analyzing the nature of pride and sin in the Fall. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Author and theologian, expounding on the justice of the punishment for original sin. ### [Of the evil of lust](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author and speaker, analyzing the nature of lust. ### [Of the Nakedness of Our First Parents After Their Sin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Author and commentator on the nature of shame and lust after the Fall. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author and commentator on the shame attending sexual intercourse. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xix) Author and expositor of the nature of sin, reason, and the regulation of emotions. ### [Of the foolish beastliness of the Cynics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Author and critic of Cynic philosophy, linking their shamelessness to the punishment of original sin. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi) Author and expositor of the doctrine of original sin and its effect on human procreation. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author of the chapter, interpreting the divine institution of marriage. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Author and primary voice; argues that generation would have occurred without sin and that lust is a punishment for disobedience. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Author and narrator of the argument; discusses the nature of bodily obedience before the Fall. ### [Of true blessedness, which this present life cannot enjoy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv) Author and speaker, analyzing the nature of true blessedness and its impossibility in mortal life. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvi) Author and narrator, reflecting on the prelapsarian state and God's plan. ### [Of the angels and men who sinned, and that their wickedness did not disturb the order of God’s providence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Author and theologian explaining God's providence in relation to sin. ### [Of the nature of the two cities, the earthly and the heavenly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii) Author of the chapter, defining the two cities by their loves. ### [Book XV: The Progress of the Two Cities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xv) Author and narrator, explaining the origin and progress of the two cities. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author and narrator, reflecting on the two cities and their origins. ### [Of the fratricidal act of the founder of the earthly city, and the corresponding crime of the founder of Rome](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Author of the chapter, analyzing the two cities through these fratricides. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author and narrator, expounding on the condition of the City of God's citizens in earthly pilgrimage. ### [Chapter VII: Of the Cause of Cain's Crime and His Obstinacy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Author and interpreter of the biblical narrative, providing theological and allegorical commentary. ### [Chapter XII: Of the opinion of those who do not believe that in these primitive times men lived so long as is stated.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author of the chapter, arguing against those who reinterpret the long lifespans of the patriarchs. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author and narrator, defending the literal interpretation of biblical chronology and the authority of the Septuagint. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Author of the chapter, explaining the genealogical records and the significance of the two cities. ### [Chapter XVI: Of Marriage Between Blood-Relations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author and narrator, providing theological and moral analysis of marriage customs. ### [The Significance of Abel, Seth, and Enos to Christ and His Body the Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author of the chapter, interpreting the typology of Abel, Seth, and Enos. ### [Of the fall of the sons of God who were captivated by the daughters of men, whereby all, with the exception of eight persons, deservedly perished in the deluge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author of the chapter, expounding on the fall of the sons of God and the order of love. ### [Chapter XXIII: On the Nature of Angels and the Birth of Giants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) The author and narrator, who analyzes the biblical account of the sons of God and the daughters of men, and discusses the nature of angels and giants. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv) Author and theologian explaining the nature of God's anger and the purpose of Scriptural language. ### [Of the Ark and the Deluge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Author of the chapter, defending the historical and allegorical interpretation of the ark and flood. ### [Of the diversity of languages, and of the founding of Babylon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author and interpreter of the biblical narrative, explaining the theological meaning of the Tower of Babel and the punishment of linguistic confusion. ### [Of God’s coming down to confound the languages of the builders of the city](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Author and interpreter of the biblical account of the confounding of languages. ### [What we are to understand by God’s speaking to the angels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author and interpreter of Scripture, explaining God's speech and the Trinity. ### [Whether even the remotest islands received their fauna from the animals which were preserved, through the deluge, in the ark.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Author of the chapter, raising and resolving theological questions about the post-diluvian distribution of animals. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author and theologian, argues that all humans, including monstrous races, descend from Adam. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author of the chapter, arguing against the Antipodes and tracing the city of God. ### [Of the order and nature of the promises of God which were made to Abraham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author and interpreter of the promises made to Abraham. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Provides detailed exegesis of Abraham's vision and its prophetic meaning. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Author of the chapter, interpreting the meaning of circumcision and original sin. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxv) Author and interpreter of the prophecy concerning Rebecca's twins. ### [Book XVII: The Prophetic Age and the City of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xvii) Author and narrator, interpreting the prophetic age and the fulfillment of God's promises. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author of the work, defining the scope of the prophetic age. ### [Of the threefold meaning of the prophecies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Author of the chapter, explaining the threefold interpretation of prophecies. ### [Chapter IV: The Prophecy of Hannah and the City of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author and interpreter of Hannah's prophecy, explaining its Christian fulfillment. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Augustine interprets the prophecy to Eli as a foreshadowing of Christ's priesthood and the New Covenant. ### [Of the Jewish priesthood and kingdom, which, although promised to be established forever, did not continue; so that other things are to be understood to which eternity is assured](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author and expositor, explaining the typological meaning of the Old Testament priesthood and kingdom. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Author and interpreter of the chapter, explaining the allegorical meaning of Saul's rejection and the division of Israel. ### [Chapter VIII: Of the promises made to David in his son, which are in no wise fulfilled in Solomon, but most fully in Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author and expositor, interpreting the promises to David as fulfilled in Christ rather than Solomon. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author of the chapter, interpreting Psalm 89 and the Books of Samuel as prophecies about Christ. ### [Of the substance of the people of God, which through His assumption of flesh is in Christ, who alone had power to deliver His own soul from hell.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xi) Author and interpreter of the psalm, explaining the prophetic meaning of Christ as the substance of Israel. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author and interpreter of the psalm, distinguishing between carnal and spiritual Israelites. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii) Author and theologian, argues against interpreting Solomon's reign as the fulfillment of the promised peace. ### [Of David’s concern in the writing of the Psalms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author of the City of God, interpreting David's role in the Psalms. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Authorial voice explaining his decision not to expound all Psalms prophecies in this work. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author and expositor of Psalm 45, interpreting its tropes as referring to Christ and the Church. ### [Of those things in the 110th Psalm which relate to the priesthood of Christ, and in the 22nd to His passion.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Author and interpreter of the Psalms, explaining their prophetic meaning regarding Christ. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author and interpreter of the Psalms, arguing for Christ's death and resurrection. ### [Of the 69th Psalm, in which the obstinate unbelief of the Jews is declared.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xix) Author and interpreter of the 69th Psalm, explaining its prophetic meaning regarding the Jews' unbelief. ### [Of David's reign and merit; and of his son Solomon, and that prophecy relating to Christ which is found either in those books which are joined to those written by him, or in those which are indubitably his.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Author and commentator, analyzing the reigns of David and Solomon and interpreting prophetic books. ### [Of the varying condition of both the Hebrew kingdoms, until the people of both were at different times led into captivity, Judah being afterwards recalled into his kingdom, which finally passed into the power of the Romans.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Author of the chapter, reflecting on the history of the Hebrew kingdoms. ### [Book XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xviii) Author and narrator, tracing the parallel histories of the two cities. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author and narrator, summarizing his own work and outlining the plan for the remaining books. ### [Of Apis king of Argos, whom the Egyptians called Serapis, and worshipped with divine honours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Author and critic of pagan worship, explaining the origin of Serapis and the deception of demons. ### [The Founding of Athens and Varro's Account of Its Name](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author and narrator, recounting Varro's account of Athens' founding. ### [Of the rituals of false gods instituted by the kings of Greece in the period from Israel’s exodus from Egypt down to the death of Joshua the son of Nun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author and commentator, analyzing the rituals of false gods and contrasting them with the truth of Scripture. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author and commentator on the theological poets and their failure to worship the one true God alone. ### [Chapter XVIII: On Demonic Transformations and the Need to Flee Babylon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author and narrator; recounts personal experiences and interprets demonic transformations. ### [That Rome was founded when the Assyrian kingdom perished, at which time Hezekiah reigned in Judah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author and narrator, providing historical and theological commentary on the founding of Rome. ### [Of the Erythraean sibyl, who is known to have sung many things about Christ more plainly than the other sibyls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Discusses the Erythraean sibyl and her prophecies about Christ, citing Flaccianus and Lactantius. ### [Of the times of the prophets whose oracles are contained in books, and who sang many things about the call of the Gentiles at the time when the Roman kingdom began and the Assyrian came to an end.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Author of the City of God, analyzing the timing of the prophets in relation to the rise of Rome and the fall of Assyria. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii) Author and interpreter of the prophetic texts. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxix) Author and commentator, discussing Isaiah's prophecies about Christ and the Church. ### [Of the predictions concerning the salvation of the world in Christ, in Obadiah, Nahum, and Habakkuk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxi) Author and interpreter of the prophecies, explaining their fulfillment in Christ. ### [Of the prophecy that is contained in the prayer and song of Habakkuk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxii) Author and interpreter of Habakkuk's prophecy, applying it to Christ and the Church. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxvii) Author of the chapter, presenting the chronological argument for the antiquity of Hebrew prophecy. ### [About the Most Mendacious Vanity of the Egyptians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xl) Author and defender of divine history against pagan claims of Egyptian antiquity. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xli) Author of the chapter, contrasting pagan philosophical discord with scriptural concord. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xlii) Author of the City of God, explaining the providential translation of the Scriptures. ### [Of the Authority of the Septuagint Translation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xliii) Author of the chapter, defending the authority of the Septuagint translation. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xliv) Author and interpreter of the prophecy of Jonah, reconciling the Hebrew and Septuagint versions. ### [Chapter XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xlv) Author and narrator, providing theological and historical analysis of Jewish history and prophecy. ### [Of the birth of our Saviour, whereby the Word was made flesh; and of the dispersion of the Jews among all nations, as had been prophesied.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xlvi) Author and narrator, interpreting the significance of Christ's birth and Jewish dispersion. ### [Whether before Christian times there were any outside of the Israelite race who belonged to the fellowship of the heavenly city](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xlvii) Author of the chapter, arguing for the inclusion of righteous Gentiles in the heavenly city. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xlviii) Author and interpreter of Haggai's prophecy, explaining its fulfillment in the Church of Christ. ### [Of the indiscriminate increase of the Church, wherein many reprobate are in this world mixed with the elect.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xlix) Author and expositor of the Church's mixed state in the present age. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-li) Author and expositor of the Church's pilgrimage amid persecution and consolation. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-lii) Author and narrator, analyzing the history of persecutions and cautioning against presumptuous claims about their number. ### [Of the hidden time of the final persecution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-liii) Author of the chapter, discussing the hidden time of the final persecution and refuting pagan claims. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-liv) Author and narrator; refutes pagan prophecy and calculates the timeline of Christian worship. ### [Book XIX: The Ends of the Two Cities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xix) Author of the work; discusses the ends of the two cities and refutes philosophical opinions on the supreme good. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author of the chapter, setting up the contrast between earthly and heavenly cities by analyzing philosophical opinions on the supreme good. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Augustine is the narrator, critically evaluating Varro's philosophical arguments and distancing himself from the debate. ### [Chapter IV: The Christian View of Supreme Good and Evil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author and expositor of the Christian view of supreme good and evil. ### [Of the social life, which, though most desirable, is frequently disturbed by many distresses.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Author and narrator, reflecting on the social life and its distresses. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Authorial voice reflecting on the errors and miseries of human judgments. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author reflecting on the fragility of human friendship and the trials of earthly life. ### [Of the friendship of the holy angels, which men cannot be sure of in this life, owing to the deceit of the demons who hold in bondage the worshippers of a plurality of gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author and narrator, reflecting on the deceit of demons and the need for God's mercy. ### [Chapter X: The Reward of the Saints and the Peace of Eternal Felicity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-x) Author of the chapter, reflecting on the reward of saints and the nature of true virtue. ### [Of the happiness of the eternal peace, which constitutes the end or true perfection of the saints](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xi) Author and narrator, defining the end of the City of God as eternal peace. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author and narrator of the chapter, presenting the argument that all beings desire peace. ### [Chapter XIII: Of the Universal Peace Which the Law of Nature Preserves Through All Disturbances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii) Author of the chapter, expounding on the nature of peace and order. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author and narrator, expounding on the order of peace and the duties of rulers in the earthly and heavenly cities. ### [Of the liberty proper to man’s nature, and the servitude introduced by sin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Author of the chapter; expounds on the nature of liberty and servitude. ### [Of Equitable Rule](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author of the chapter, expounding on equitable rule in the household and its relation to the city. ### [What produces peace, and what discord, between the heavenly and earthly cities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Author of the chapter, distinguishing the two cities and their pursuits of peace. ### [How different the uncertainty of the New Academy is from the certainty of the Christian faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author and expositor of the City of God, arguing against Academic skepticism. ### [Of the dress and habits of the Christian people](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xix) Author of the chapter; discusses the compatibility of philosophical dress and Christian faith. ### [Chapter XX: That the saints are in this life blessed in hope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Author and speaker, presenting the theological argument about blessedness in hope. ### [Whether There Ever Was a Roman Republic Answering to the Definitions of Scipio in Cicero's Dialogue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi) Author and primary voice, analyzing and refuting the definition of a republic from Cicero's De Republica. ### [Whether the God whom the Christians serve is the true God to whom alone sacrifice ought to be paid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author and defender of the Christian faith, presenting arguments for the true God. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Author and critic of Porphyry's oracles; defends Christian worship of the one true God. ### [The Definition of a People and a Republic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Author of the chapter, defining a people and a republic. ### [That where there is no true religion there are no true virtues](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv) Author and speaker of the chapter, arguing that true virtues require submission to God. ### [Of the peace which is enjoyed by the people that are alienated from God, and the use made of it by the people of God in the time of its pilgrimage.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvi) Author of the chapter, reflecting on the peace of the earthly city and its use by the people of God. ### [Chapter XXVII: The Imperfect Peace of the Righteous in This Life and the Perfect Peace to Come](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Author and narrator, reflecting on the nature of peace and righteousness in the pilgrim state of the City of God. ### [The End of the Wicked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii) Author of the chapter, explaining the fate of the wicked and the nature of the second death. ### [Book XX: The Last Judgment and the Resurrection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xx) Author and interpreter of scripture, explaining the two resurrections and the final judgment. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author and speaker, laying the foundation for discussing the final judgment. ### [Chapter II: That in the mingled web of human affairs God’s judgment is present, though it cannot be discerned.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Author and narrator, reflecting on the hidden justice of God in human affairs. ### [Chapter IV: Proofs of the Last Judgment from the New and Old Testaments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author and expositor of the proofs for the last judgment, ordering his argument from the New Testament to the Old. ### [What is the first resurrection, and what the second](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author of the chapter, expounding on the two resurrections. ### [What is written in the Revelation of John regarding the two resurrections, and the thousand years, and what may reasonably be held on these points](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Author of the chapter, interpreting the Apocalypse and refuting Millenarian interpretations. ### [Of the binding and loosing of the devil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author and theologian, providing exegesis on the binding and loosing of the devil. ### [Chapter IX: The Reign of the Saints with Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author and theologian, interpreting the Apocalypse and the reign of the saints. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-x) Author and expositor of the resurrection of souls. ### [Of Gog and Magog, who are to be roused by the devil to persecute the Church, when he is loosed in the end of the world](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xi) Author and interpreter of the passage from Revelation concerning Gog and Magog. ### [Chapter XII: Whether the Fire That Came Down Out of Heaven and Devoured Them Refers to the Last Punishment of the Wicked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author and interpreter of the apocalyptic passage, distinguishing between the fire of the saints' firmness and the final judgment. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii) Author and theological interpreter of the thousand-year reign and the persecution by Antichrist. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author and interpreter of the apocalyptic vision. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Author and interpreter of the apocalyptic judgment scene. ### [Of the new heaven and the new earth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author and interpreter of the prophecy of the new heaven and new earth. ### [Of the endless glory of the Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Author and interpreter of the vision of the new Jerusalem. ### [What the Apostle Peter predicted regarding the last judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Interprets Peter's words and addresses questions about the fate of the saints during the conflagration. ### [Chapter XX: The Resurrection of the Dead at Christ's Coming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Author and theologian interpreting the resurrection and the fate of the living at Christ's coming. ### [Chapter XXI: Utterances of the Prophet Isaiah Regarding the Resurrection of the Dead and the Retributive Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi) Author and interpreter of Isaiah's prophecies regarding resurrection and judgment. ### [What is meant by the good going out to see the punishment of the wicked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author of the chapter, explaining the nature of the last judgment and the knowledge of the saints. ### [What Daniel Predicted Regarding the Persecution of Antichrist, the Judgment of God, and the Kingdom of the Saints](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Author and interpreter of Daniel's prophecies. ### [Chapter XXIV: Passages from the Psalms of David which predict the end of the world and the last judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Author and interpreter of the Psalms, defending Christian eschatology against Porphyry. ### [Of Malachi's prophecy, in which he speaks of the last judgment, and of a cleansing which some are to undergo by purifying punishments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv) Author and interpreter of Malachi's prophecy ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvi) Author and interpreter of the prophecy regarding sacrifices and the final judgment. ### [Of the separation of the good and the bad, which proclaim the discriminating influence of the last judgment.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Author and commentator on the prophetic passage from Malachi regarding the last judgment. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii) Author and interpreter of the spiritual meaning of the law of Moses. ### [The Last Judgment and the Prophetic Witness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxx) Author and theologian, explaining the order and certainty of the Last Judgment. ### [Book XXI: The Eternal Punishment of the Damned](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xxi) Author and primary voice, defending the doctrine of eternal punishment and refuting opposing views. ### [Of the order of the discussion, which requires that we first speak of the eternal punishment of the lost in company with the devil, and then of the eternal happiness of the saints.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author and narrator, explaining the order of discussion for the final judgment. ### [Whether it is possible for bodies to last forever in burning fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Author and primary voice arguing for the possibility of eternal bodily suffering in fire. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Author and primary voice, arguing against the notion that pain implies death. ### [Chapter IV: Examples from Nature Proving That Bodies May Remain Unconsumed and Alive in Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author and narrator, uses personal experience and testimony to argue for the possibility of eternal punishment in fire. ### [That All Marvels Are Not of Nature's Production, but That Some Are Due to Human Ingenuity and Others to Diabolic Contrivance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author and narrator, defending Christian faith against pagan skepticism regarding miracles. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) The author and speaker, defending the omnipotence of God as the basis for believing in miracles. ### [Chapter VIII: That It Is Not Contrary to Nature That, in an Object Whose Nature Is Known, There Should Be Discovered an Alteration of the Properties Which Have Been Known as Its Natural Properties](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author and narrator; argues that portents are not contrary to nature but to human knowledge, citing Varro and Scripture. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author and theologian, presents the chapter's argument on eternal punishment. ### [Chapter X: The Nature of Hellfire and the Punishment of Spirits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-x) Author of the chapter, discussing the nature of hellfire and the punishment of devils. ### [Whether it is just that the punishments of sins last longer than the sins themselves lasted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xi) Defends the justice of eternal punishment for temporal sins, using legal analogies and scriptural interpretation. ### [Chapter XII: Of the greatness of the first transgression, on account of which eternal punishment is due to all who are not within the pale of the Saviour’s grace.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author of the chapter, expounding on the gravity of the first sin and the necessity of grace. ### [Chapter XIII: Against the Opinion of Those Who Think That the Punishments of the Wicked After Death Are Purgatorial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii) Author and primary voice, refuting Platonic views on purgatorial punishment and articulating Christian doctrine on divine justice and post-mortem penalties. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author and commentator on the human condition and divine justice. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Author and theologian, reflecting on grace, the Fall, and the Christian life. ### [Chapter XVI: The Laws of Grace Across the Ages of the Regenerate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author of the chapter, expounding on the laws of grace and the stages of spiritual life. ### [Of those who fancy that no men shall be punished eternally](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Author and narrator engaging in controversy with tenderhearted Christians regarding eternal punishment. ### [Chapter XVIII: Of those who fancy that, on account of the saints’ intercession, no man shall be damned in the last judgment.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author and critic of the opinion that all men will be saved through the saints' intercession. ### [Of those who promise impunity from all sins even to heretics, through virtue of their participation of the body of Christ.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xix) Author and critic of the view that the Eucharist guarantees salvation regardless of sin. ### [Of those who promise this indulgence not to all, but only to those who have been baptized as catholics, though afterwards they have broken out into many crimes and heresies.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Author of the chapter, presenting and critiquing the view that only baptized Catholics are promised indulgence. ### [Chapter XXI: Of those who assert that all catholics who continue in the faith, even though by the depravity of their lives they have merited hell fire, shall be saved on account of the “foundation” of their faith.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi) Author and expositor of the doctrine, analyzing the interpretation of salvation through fire for Catholics who live badly. ### [Of those who fancy that the sins which are intermingled with alms-deeds shall not be charged at the day of judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author and refuter of the erroneous opinion that alms-deeds cancel all sins at judgment. ### [Chapter XXIII: Against Those Who Deny the Eternity of Punishment for the Devil and Wicked Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Author of the chapter, arguing against those who deny eternal punishment. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Author and primary voice, refuting the notion that the prayers of saints will spare the damned. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv) Author of the chapter, arguing against those who promise deliverance from eternal fire based on baptism and Eucharist alone. ### [What it is to have Christ for a foundation, and who they are to whom salvation as by fire is promised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvi) Author and interpreter of Scripture, explaining the metaphor of Christ as foundation and the nature of salvation by fire. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Author and primary voice, arguing against misinterpretations of almsgiving and sin. ### [Book XXII: The Eternal Blessedness of the City of God and the Resurrection of the Body](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-book-xxii) Author and narrator, concluding his work with a defense of the resurrection and eternal blessedness. ### [Of the creation of angels and men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Author and narrator, concluding his work on the City of God. ### [Of the eternal and unchangeable will of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Author of the chapter; discusses the nature of God's will and its unchangeability. ### [Of the promise of eternal blessedness to the saints, and everlasting punishment to the wicked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Author of the chapter, expounding on the certainty of eschatological promises. ### [Against the Wise Men Who Deny the Resurrection of the Body](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Author and primary voice arguing against the pagan philosophers' denial of bodily resurrection. ### [Chapter V: Of the Resurrection of the Flesh, Which Some Refuse to Believe, Though the World at Large Believes It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Author and narrator, defending the resurrection of the flesh and the credibility of Christian faith. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Author and narrator, contrasts the earthly city's deification of Romulus with the heavenly city's worship of Christ. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Author of the chapter, arguing for the divine basis of Christian belief. ### [Chapter VIII: Miracles of the Martyr Stephen and the Power of Faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-viii) Author and narrator, present at Hippo and involved in recording and verifying miracles. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-ix) Author of the chapter, reflecting on the testimony of miracles through martyrs. ### [Chapter X: The Greater Honor of Martyrs Compared to Demons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-x) Author and narrator, defending the Christian faith against pagan criticisms. ### [Chapter XI: Against the Platonists' Arguments from the Elements](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xi) Author and primary voice refuting the Platonists. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xii) Author of the chapter, defending the resurrection of the flesh against pagan objections. ### [Whether Abortions, If They Are Numbered Among the Dead, Shall Not Also Have a Part in the Resurrection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii) Author of the chapter, responding to objections about the resurrection of aborted infants. ### [Whether infants shall rise in that body which they would have had had they grown up.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv) Author of the chapter, reasoning about the resurrection body of infants. ### [Whether the bodies of all the dead shall rise the same size as the Lord’s body](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xv) Author of the chapter, arguing about the nature of resurrected bodies. ### [Chapter XVI: What is meant by the conforming of the saints to the image of the Son of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi) Author and theologian, interpreting the meaning of conformity to the Son of God. ### [Whether the Bodies of Women Shall Retain Their Own Sex in the Resurrection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Author of the chapter, arguing for the preservation of both sexes in the resurrection. ### [Of the perfect Man, that is, Christ; and of His body, that is, the Church, which is His fullness.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Author and expositor of the passage, explaining the allegorical meaning of the 'perfect man' as Christ and the Church. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xix) Author of the chapter, explaining the resurrection of the body and the removal of deformities. ### [The Resurrection of the Body: Reunion and Restoration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Author and theologian, defending the resurrection of the body against doubts about divine power. ### [Of the new spiritual body into which the flesh of the saints shall be transformed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi) Author and speaker, reflecting on the resurrection and transformation of the body. ### [Of the Miseries and Ills to Which the Human Race Is Justly Exposed Through the First Sin, and from Which None Can Be Delivered Save by Christ’s Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Author of the chapter, expounding on the consequences of original sin and the necessity of Christ's grace. ### [Of the miseries of this life which attach peculiarly to the toil of good men, irrespective of those which are common to the good and bad.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Author of the chapter, reflecting on the miseries and spiritual warfare of the righteous. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Author and narrator, reflecting on God's blessings in a fallen world. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv) Author and defender of the resurrection of the body against pagan and philosophical objections. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvi) Author and primary voice arguing against Porphyry's view on the soul and body. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Analyzes the positions of Plato and Porphyry to show how they could have converged on the Christian doctrine of resurrection. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii) Author and commentator, analyzing pagan views on resurrection. ### [Of the Beatific Vision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxix) Author and narrator, reflecting on the beatific vision and the nature of spiritual bodies. ### [The Eternal Felicity of the City of God and the Perpetual Sabbath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxx) Author of the work, reflecting on the eternal felicity of the City of God and the Sabbath rest. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/endnotes) Author of the City of God; his works and letters are cited throughout the endnotes. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/characters/augustine - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_city_of_god_se/characters