Essay Questions

What event was the book written in response to?

The book was written in response to the destruction of Rome by the Visigoth hordes in 410 A.D. The Romans blamed the fall of Rome on two things: the abandonment of their traditional Roman polytheistic system of belief and the proliferation of Christianity. Augustine of Thagaste wrote City of God both to console the Christian population that had come under persecution and in defense of Christianity. He stated that Christianity was not the reason for Rome’s failure but rather pivotal to its success through the use of two ancient cities--Babylon and Jerusalem--as metaphor-analogies.

What is the significance of the book’s title?

The titular “City of God” that Augustine refers to is the city of Jerusalem. He points the reading audience to the figurative importance of the ancient city as the starting point of God’s grand plan for repentance of sins and the salvation of His people. Augustine emphasizes Jerusalem’s significance as birthplace of Christianity as well as its scriptural significance as the literal city built by and inhabited by God’s chosen people solidifying its’ identity as “City of God.”

What did the City of Babylon symbolize?

Both ancient city of Babylon is “City of the World” that is referred to in the book. Augustine makes reference of Babylon’s etymological history saying that because the city means “confusion” or “to be confused” it is a very appropriate embodiment of the City of the World. Babylon is also used as a metaphorically for people that are, according to the author, confused by their priorities while living in this world, pursing sensual pleasures rather than placing a premium on the pursuit of personal holiness and the experience of God.