48 pages • 1 hour read
Augustine of HippoThe City of God
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 426A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The City of God (2003 Penguin Classics edition, translated by Henry Bettenson and edited by G.R. Evans), Augustine of Hippo counters claims that Christianity caused Rome's fall by highlighting pre-Christian Rome's own disasters. Books 1-10 critique pagan rituals and ethics while championing Christianity's moral clarity and hope in suffering. Sensitive topics include torture and sexual violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Augustine of Hippo's The City of God receives acclaim for its profound philosophical and theological insights, offering a pivotal Christian response to Rome's decline. Critics praise its enduring relevance and intellectual depth, though some find its complexity and length challenging. Overall, it's regarded as a cornerstone of Christian literature and Western thought.
Who Should Read The City of God?
A reader who would enjoy The City of God by Augustine of Hippo is likely fascinated by theological, philosophical, and historical discussions, particularly those exploring the nature of human society and divine providence. Similar interests can be found in readers of Confessions by Augustine and The Republic by Plato.