On Augustine: The Two Cities

by Alan Ryan

It would be almost impossible to exaggerate the influence of Augustine the once-hedonistic pagan turned ascetic theologian and defender of the early Christian Church over all the subsequent history of Europe. Augustine s political philosophy is pregnant with arguments that racked not only Christian Europe but also much of the modern world. Whether it was his essential skepticism about the value of earthly politics when contrasted with eternity, the role of a Christian within the State, or the nature of just war and the folly of imperial ambitions, Augustine articulated distinctive and long-lived thoughts on controversial subjects that remain embedded in our political discourse. In On Augustine: The Two Cities Alan Ryan carefully lays out the complicated political, philosophical, and religious context of Augustine and traces the history of his impact on Western thought both within and beyond the Christian tradition. Excerpted here are: The City of God, Confessions."

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2014

About the author

Alan James Ryan.

Reviews

[Chris]

On Augustine is a nice little intro to Augustine’s political thought. Alan Ryan provides an overview of Augustine’s political thought and its historical context and supplements this with extensive selections from Augustine’s City of God and Contra Faustum. I enjoyed reading it and it has made me want to pursue reading more of Augustine’s work. I give it 4 stars.

[Steven]

Ryan's book is a great introductory essay on Augustine's contributions to political philosophy. He rightly notes how the great Bishop wasn't writing about political theory per se, but how his City of God, Anti-Manichaean, and Anti-Donatist writings provided much fodder for later political philosophers to discuss.

[Paul]

The first part of the book, where Alan Ryan sumarizes Augustine's political thinking, is the best part of the book. Augustine seems to give Chrisitan emperors, who were often as brutal as their predecessors, a pass. Augustines work contains the seeds of future intolerance and zealoty.

[Michael]

I really need to brush up on my philosophy readings, very deep, makes you think.

[notformebabesbooks]

The book was fine. Had to read it in 2 days for class though. Next time just waterboard me.

[Glenda]

I loved this read. Does seem to read like a text book, but it's a great overall summary on Augustine and those evolved around his time-frame.