St. Augustine's Philosophy: Creation, History, and the Two Cities

Creation According to St. Augustine

St. Augustine was a creationist. He believed that God, using words, created everything out of nothing in six days. This act was sudden, free, and willed by God.

God established rules and principles that govern the world, influencing generations, shaping human experiences (both good and bad), and fostering the development of culture.

St. Augustine's Philosophy of History

1. St. Augustine and the Importance of History

St. Augustine is considered the first thinker to provide a comprehensive explanation of universal history within the philosophy of history. His schematic approach helps us understand actions and events.

2. The Event: The Fall of the Roman Empire

The decline of the Empire and the sacking of Rome served as a foundational event for St. Augustine's historical analysis. He sought to understand its profound implications.

This event had a significant impact and sparked considerable debate. Many, including some pagans, blamed Christians for the sacking, claiming Christian violence was responsible.

In response, St. Augustine wrote De Civitate Dei (The City of God), defending Christianity and arguing against its responsibility for Rome's fall. In this seminal work, he explains history through a universal scheme.

3. "The City of God" (De Civitate Dei)

St. Augustine sought to understand the underlying reasons for the events that occur in the world, particularly the presence of evil and suffering.

His scheme posits two invisible cities, impossible to distinguish outwardly, yet fundamentally distinct in their nature and purpose.

The Two Cities: A Comparison

The City of God

• Citizens of Heaven
• Defined by Goodness (Ongiarena)
• Associated with Light
• A community chosen by God (The Elect)
• Motivated by the love of God
• Guided by the Spirit

The Earthly City (Munduarena / Deabruarena)

• Citizens of the World
• Defined by Evil (Gaitzarena)
• Associated with Darkness
• Not chosen by God (The Non-Elect)
• Motivated by self-love and contempt for God
• Guided by the Flesh

While distinct, individuals can transition between these two ways of living. There are two fundamentally different points of view or modes of existence.

4. History: The Struggle Between the Two Cities

History, for St. Augustine, is fundamentally a struggle between these two cities. The earthly city seeks worldly triumphs and temporal power, while the City of God strives for eternal truths and divine will.

Ultimately, the City of God is destined for triumph and eternal glory.

5. Augustinian Political Thought

Augustinian political thought suggests that when the City of God's principles of justice and divine order prevail, political Christianity flourishes, and its rules are upheld.

This raises important questions about the ideal relationship between religious and political authorities.