What is justice in the earthly city and justice in the heavenly city? What does citizenship entail in each city and how can someone be a good citizen in each city?
2007-12-01 03:19:46 · 4 answers · asked by Goodtimes 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Augustine wrote the City of God to prove that love of God and neighbor requires our active participation in the culture and in the political process.
The City of God is eternal, and its sole concern is the greater glory of God. In the City of God, all things are ruled by God's Word, and the commands of God are the passion of its citizens.
The City of Man is different. It is filled with mixed passions, mixed allegiances, and compromised principles. Though there is some obedience to the command of God, citizens demonstrate frequent disobedience and revoluation against the Creator.
The City of Man is passing away, but we must live for God as much as possible while we sojourn there.
The Church is our beacon and anchor while we live in the City of God. And the laws of God and the laws of love are still our ultimate compass.
Pax Vobiscum+
2007-12-01 03:25:41 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"That part of the heavenly city which sojourns here on earth is composed of numerous households, and the way these are ruled contributes in a very real way to the function of the whole city. The principles this city must live by, and which must be encouraged on behalf of all household members by the head of the house are the two greatest commandments: Thou shalt love the Lord they God, and thy neighbor as thyself.
"In the earthly city, the people thereof receive the rain and food the Father gives them, but their darkened hearts are deprived of His unchangeable light, and they give him not thanks. These citizens prefer their own impious and proud gods and delight in their own strength, which represents itself in the person of their rulers. Oftentimes, the greed and selfishness of these rulers grasp for self-serving privileges and divine honors at the expense of their subjects, so that they lead their people into bondage and make war upon liberty itself."
2007-12-01 11:27:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe it was written as a rebuttal to those who said Christianity was the cause for the downfall of Rome. If memory recalls, he wrote it while at a safe distance in Hippo Regius. I didn't take the time to double check this so take this with a grain of salt
I think it is all rationalization in defense of government by Christianity. If you want answers to your question... nothing like reading it and keeping all options open
2007-12-01 11:25:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
We like this city of God business. It sounds like a fascist dictatorship and we orcs LOVE fascist dictatorship! Now shut up with the questions and do what you're told!!!
2007-12-01 11:34:19 · answer #4 · answered by urukorcs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋