Books that Matter: The City of God

by Charles T. Mathewes

Augustine of Hippo's masterpiece The City of God is one of the greatest books ever written, yet its size - nearly 1,000 pages - too often intimidates even serious readers. Composed in the years after the sack of Rome in the fifth century, it ushers you on an astounding historical and theological journey through the final years of the ancient world. What made this book so powerful? What mysteries lie within it? What relevance does the 1,600-year-old text have for our world today? And how should contemporary readers approach this monumental text?
Now is your chance to answer these questions and more with this profound survey of one of the world's truly great books. Over the course of 24 in-depth lectures, Professor Mathewes guides you chapter by chapter through Augustine's magnum opus, introducing you not only to the book's key arguments but also to the historical context necessary to comprehend The City of God's true power.
Here, you'll discover that Augustine was a surprisingly modern man with a clear-eyed outlook on a world in transition - and whose ideas continue to influence us today. Witness how he wrestled with some of the thorniest philosophical challenges of any time, including the problem of evil, faith versus reason, fate versus free will, and the very nature of God. Although there are no easy answers, Augustine's approach is ultimately therapeutic, helping readers live "happy in hope", which, he argues, is the only true happiness in a fallen world.
Whether you come to this book as a Christian, a philosopher, a historian, a literature lover, or simply someone who wants fresh insight into our world today, Augustine will revolutionize the way you think about politics, religion, history, and our relationship to the divine. Professor Mathewes delivers a magnificent introduction to one of the world's truly great books.

Genres: History, Religion, Philosophy, Christianity, Nonfiction, Classics, Theology

24 pages, Audible Audio

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This class did what I never thought possible - make me want to read The City of God.

Professor Mathewes is insightful, giving this ancient work an understandable context and connecting it to modern life. He's got an accessible lecturing style and an elegant turn of phrase that helps open up the material. What is more he makes a compelling case for why The City of God is relevant for understanding not only the ancient, but our modern world. Highest recommendation.

[David Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took the plunge, with a reading group, and tackled Augustine's masterpiece, "The City of God" last year. After plugging away from May to October, I finished it, and definitely treasured the experience. I thought about writing a review, but it felt about as daunting as the prospect of climbing Mount Everest might feel, so I thought better of it. Maybe someday, after I read it a second time :-)

In the meantime, this Books That Matter course on the City of God was a nice epilogue, and a very helpful review, after having read Augustine. The course is taught by Charles Mathewes, a Professor of Religious Studies at the Unversity of Virginia, who did a fine job presenting a chapter by chapter overview of many of Augustine's ideas and arguments. He takes a philosophical bent along the way, and offers interesting insights to ponder and think through. My rating could easily have been 4 1/2 stars; I guess with a vast book like the City of God, one could always find a topic or two they'd like to have heard discussed in more depth.

I would recommend this course and, while some teachings of this type may be good preparation for studying a classic work, this one would probably be more meaningful after having read the City of God.

[William Adam Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 24 lecture course is one that must be attended to closely. I listened to some of the lectures while driving in my car. I found that outside distractions on the road made it easy for me to miss a critical point in what Professor Mathewes was saying. I found it was easier when I listened while I was taking a walk without the distractions. This is a fairly dense course, which is what I was looking for because I want to understand Augustine's thought more thoroughly. Professor Mathewes's speaking is clear, without verbal distractions, and his voice is engaging.

The first few lectures are background on Augustine as a person and the political landscape is covered in which Augustine wrote. Then the rest of the lectures are a deep dive into "The City of God" going through mostly 1-2 books per lecture. My favorite lectures came towards the end of the course, especially the lectures on heaven, hell, and the topic of original sin. Since this is a fairly dense subject matter, I would strongly recommend spending time with the course book that goes with the lectures to get the best understanding out of the course.

I will be returning to this course in the future as "The City of God" is a rich bed of knowledge and I would like to continue to ponder its meaning.

[Beauregard Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched this as I was concurrently reading the book.

The lecture would set the stage to what I was reading and both together made for a better learning experience.

I highly recommend this lecture and the book. The one thing I would comment negatively about the lecture is sometimes Augustine would go into woo-woo with his reliance on numerology such as when he says something absurd like six is holy because its factors are 2 and 3 and 1 and they add to six and that makes the creation of the world even more special, he really did have a lot of numerology nonsense. Also, in the City of God Augustine never met a miracle he didn’t like even some that were happening around 400 CE and this lecturer doesn’t make a comment on the woo-woo nature of that. Both the numerology and the miracles as given are prevalent and this lecturer did not mention them.

[Horace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to these lectures as a companion to listening to Augustine's The City of God. Extremely helpful. I would listen to a chapter of Augustine and then listen to the corresponding lecture of Mathewes, appreciating how much I needed it to understand what I had missed by listening to Augustine. This is highly recommended. Audible also provides a 500+ page transcript of Mathewes's lectures, which can be used as a reference.

[Cameron Rhoads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to on Audible. I don’t like Augustine (356-430 C.E.). I study him because I know he’s important in church history, but I don’t like him. He invented Original Sin (peccatum originale) based on a mistranslation of Romans 5:12; he believed that male semen was the vehicle through which Original Sin was transmitted; he knew neither Hebrew nor Greek, languages absolutely essential for understanding the nuances of the Bible; he believed babies had to be exsufflated of the Devil and baptized as infants so they wouldn’t go to hell; that humanity was a massa damnata (condemned mass); he believed in persecution of heretics by the sword; he was provincial, insulated, and bombast. This Great Course is 24 lectures on Augustine’s biggest work that he wrote over a 13-year period (413-426 C.E.). The lecturer Charles Matthewes overall does a good job, but at times he can be pompous and overblown.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful course! Very inspiring and enticing me to read the actual book 'city of God'. (so far I've not been very successful at that, but with such an inspiring introduction I will keep trying, there must be more to it than I've been able to get out until now)

This course draws out basic themes from the 'city of God' and explains what Augustin said on them and why he would choose the particular wording and style. I found this very helpful, because it explains some of the things that really irritated me in the beginning of the book.

There are also a few lectures on the overall structure of the book, and how it influenced later generations.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Augustine boggles my brain. I think he's probably the person I would most want to meet from the first millennium AD.

[Feng Ouyang · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Books that Matter: The City of God" is a lecture series in the "Great Courses" collection, presented by Charles T. Mathewes. This series introduces and recaptures Augustine’s enduring work, "The City of God," offering listeners a thorough and thought-provoking engagement with one of the most influential works in Western Christianity.

"The City of God" was written by Augustine of Hippo. It is one of the earliest systematic efforts to introduce, defend, and articulate the Christian worldview in response to cultural and political crises. The immediate context for this monumental work was the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 AD. Although Christianity had been made the official religion of the Roman Empire a few decades earlier, pagan ideologies remained dominant in many sectors. As Rome fell into disarray, some blamed Christianity for the decline of the empire. Augustine wrote this work in response, targeting those who were disillusioned and saw Christianity as the culprit.

The book is divided into two major sections. The first part (Books 1–10) contrasts Christianity with pagan ideals, setting them apart and establishing Christianity as the truth. The second part (Books 11–22) systematically explains and justifies Christian doctrine without relying on prior pagan philosophies.

In Part One, Augustine outlines the key differences between Christianity and pagan thought. When it comes to suffering, Augustine argues, pagans have no spiritual outlet in this world, whereas Christians place their hope in God's salvation. Pagan Rome pursued civic virtue defined by glory, dominance, and self-love—drives that ultimately led to endless warfare and suffering. In contrast, Christianity grounds happiness in a transcendent world where God is present, offering a deeper and purer form of joy.

Pagan philosophies are described as this-worldly. Even their gods, though supernatural, dwell within the same world as humans. Among pagan philosophies, Platonism comes closest to Christianity by envisioning a separate world of ideals. Still, it lacks the relational dimension of the Christian God. Christianity introduces a transcendent world deeply connected to our own through divine love and intervention.

From a Christian perspective, God created the world and remains actively involved in it. His love is expressed through Jesus Christ, who offers humans a direct link to God—eliminating the need for the mediators envisioned in pagan traditions. Jesus is the ultimate and only necessary sacrifice for human salvation. Christians do not rely on rituals or animal sacrifices to maintain their relationship with God. Christianity not only reaches toward transcendence but also promotes a better civil society by avoiding pagan vices and providing purer motives for ethical action. Augustine emphasizes that Christians are called to participate meaningfully in civic life—not by seeking domination or self-glorification, but by embodying humility, charity, and justice. Their ethics are rooted in divine love rather than political ambition. Even while living amidst flawed earthly institutions, Christians are to act as moral exemplars, contributing to the common good while maintaining loyalty to the higher laws of God. Thus, Christian engagement in civic society becomes an expression of faith in action, grounded in a deeper spiritual purpose.

In Part Two, Augustine offers a fresh theological account of the Christian worldview, independent of the pagan philosophical frameworks he critiques earlier in the work. Rather than continuing to contrast Christian ideas with pagan thought, he builds his argument solely on Christian scripture and theological principles, presenting a vision rooted in divine revelation. This part is seen as a "new beginning," akin to God’s creation of the world. Book 11 begins with the theme of creation. Augustine contends that creation was not a one-time act, as God exists outside time and creates time itself. Hence, God remains constantly present with His creation. The Genesis narrative should not be interpreted literally, since God transcends both space and time. The message is that God, though beyond human experience, is intimately connected to His creatures.

Augustine then explores the issue of fallen angels and evil. Evil, he explains, is not a substance but a deviation from the good. All created beings, even those that have strayed, retain some measure of good. Bad actions result from misusing what is inherently good—like using a rock to harm someone. The existence of fallen angels highlights the goodness of creation and the meaningfulness of free will. Augustine warns against asking why God allowed the fall of angels, as such knowledge lies beyond human understanding.

On the topic of death, Augustine teaches that it originated from Adam’s fall. Humans inherit this condition through a soul that is spiritually "tinted" or dead because of original sin. Physical death follows as a second consequence. Yet Christians have hope in the resurrection. Death becomes a transition into union with God, rather than an end. Christians are not called to abandon the current world, but to live faithfully within it, while holding hope for the better world to come.

A significant portion of the book revolves around the contrast between two cities: the City of Man and the City of God. Augustine offers a critical analysis of human emotions, especially sexual desires. These emotions are part of human nature and not to be condemned outright. However, humans lack full control over them, indicating that we are not as autonomous as we might believe.

History, for Augustine, is composed of two interwoven strands: the pagan history of human passions, suffering, and tragedy, and the divine history of salvation, beginning with creation, continuing through Israel, and culminating in Jesus. Rome’s fall is seen by some contemporaries as the collapse of civilization, but Augustine interprets it as the waning of the City of Man. The City of God is triumphant and eternal. Humanity now exists in the epilogue of sacred history—all pivotal events have occurred except the second coming of Christ.

Augustine advises Christians living in earthly societies to live according to God’s guidance. They should contribute to their communities as long as it remains possible to obey God’s law. However, they must not expect perfect justice or peace in such societies. Christians will have to make compromises due to limited human knowledge and wisdom, but they should not find lasting peace or happiness in those compromises.

The final books deal with the future of the City of God and divine judgment. Augustine discourages speculation about when or how the end times will unfold. It may already be underway, with people destined for heaven and hell spiritually separated even as they coexist on Earth. Christians should embrace this process by living faithfully.

Augustine envisions heaven as a place of eternal communion with God. People retain their individual identity, including bodily imperfections, which are part of their redemptive story. In heaven, there is no suffering, no unfulfilled desire, and no possibility of sin. He outlines four stages of human nature: in Eden—possible to sin; after the Fall—impossible not to sin; after Christ—possible not to sin; in heaven—impossible to sin.

Hell, meanwhile, is a place of eternal suffering and separation from God. Some interpretations suggest that suffering implies a continued connection with divine justice, but Augustine sees hell primarily as a manifestation of God’s judgment. Those in hell may not even realize what they are missing—they simply suffer.

The final commentary of the lectures emphasizes that "The City of God" is more than a Christian manifesto. It is a study of politics, history, and human society. Augustine critiques Roman society as it collapses under barbarian attacks and offers a hopeful alternative grounded in Christian values. The book’s impact is complex—it was largely forgotten in the Middle Ages but has had lasting influence on Christian political thought and theology.

Regarding the lectures themselves, they provide a systematic and accessible summary of Augustine’s work. They are particularly useful for newcomers to "The City of God," offering a structured overview that encourages further exploration. As the lecturer notes, the series provides a tour of the major avenues of Augustine’s thought, leaving the "side streets and alleys" for the curious listener to explore.

The lectures are passionate and engaging, though often poetic and abstract in tone. Some sections may require multiple listenings to fully grasp the ideas. While the lectures usually begin with helpful outlines and occasionally summarize points in the following lecture, some transitions are abrupt, and multiple ideas are often presented without clear demarcation.

While the series succeeds in conveying the visionary scope of Augustine’s work, it does not fully explore other literary and rhetorical virtues present in "The City of God." Nor does it systematically analyze Augustine’s originality or situate his work in relation to earlier Christian thinkers. Questions such as how Augustine advanced Christian theology, or how later traditions followed or departed from his views, are largely left unaddressed.

In conclusion, the lecture series is both informative and inspiring. It provides a strong introduction to Augustine’s "The City of God" and will likely encourage many listeners to explore the full work in greater depth. The lectures succeed in summarizing Augustine’s theological vision, and they effectively highlight the enduring relevance of his ideas. However, while the series is valuable for its clarity and passion, it falls short in examining the broader intellectual and historical context. It does not fully explore Augustine’s literary skill, his originality in Christian thought, or how his ideas were adopted or challenged by later scholars and church traditions. As a result, the lectures open a compelling door into Augustine’s world but leave the full depth of his influence for the listener to discover independently.

[Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles, you've done it again! This lecture series may have actually changed my life; TBD. Matthewes has a knack for bringing the subject matter to vivid life. His passion and reverence for the subject matter are articulated so beautifully and coherently that the listener can't help but be enthralled in the same way. I learned SO MUCH and had the time of my life. I only regret that, because this isn't technically a book, I can't annotate. Alas.

Matthewes has a very erudite way of speaking that makes his lectures denser, more substantial, and more pleasing to listen to. He has a habit of using words I think I know the meaning of in new contexts and giving them new meanings. (Or restoring very old meanings.) For example, at one point he talks about the idea that humans are eccentric creatures - that is, our centers reside externally, outside of ourselves.

Much of the subject matter would've been over my head if approached differently, but Matthewes uses several strategies to make the work profoundly accessible without dumbing anything down. The subject matter and presentation are suitable for a philosophy postgraduate, but he presents his ideas with such clarity and lucidity that any sufficiently motivated layperson can rise to the occasion. He does a good job motivating his audience; the lectures are rarely dull, and, as I've said, they're substantial enough that they feel well worth the time spent.

I'll definitely be pursuing more by this author.

[Dennis Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books that Matter: The City of God by Charles T. Mathewes is a worthwhile companion to the text in question. Mathewes is clearly in reverence for his subject, and the gravity in which he speaks about Augustine and perhaps his most famous and enduring text is palpable. This is a course that is well worth taking, and Mathewes walks through the both the context and the man of Augustine, walking through his book with as much care as he can provide within his constraints. He likens it to the Virgil's Aeneid and to Plato's Republic, and this is not entirely undeserved. Often have I heard the phrase that all of Western civilization is a footnote to Plato, but here I find the same phrase made as a footnote to Augustine. Augustine, for his part, is more understanding and earthly than his reputation. I admit, I found myself falling into a familiar stereotyping of the saint, even though I should know better by now. The course is good, though I believe I might have enjoyed it more if I was reading The City of God alongside it. Perhaps, in a less busy future, I'll give that a chance.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good overview of Augustine's magnum opus. It is his philosophy of history and his response to the collapse of Rome. As great as it is I still prefer the Confessions.

(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})

[Robert Federline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The City of God is one of the most influential pieces ever written. It speaks to Religion and Politics and Sociology. It is a work of history and about history, while predicting and pointing to the future.

The Great Courses are a marvelous way to get started with powerful and daunting works such as this overlong masterpiece of philosophy and thinking. It grants multiple perspectives on this work which is one of the defining pieces of western thought. This work is important in establishing frameworks for both governments and the Church. The City of God was a masterful piece when written, and time and distance have not dulled its impact.

The Great Course gives you a useful perspective of this daunting scholarship and helps to make the reading and understanding of the mind of St. Augustine more manageable and more possible.

I have never been disappointed with a single one of the Great Courses.

[Ken Burkhalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mathewes presents a superior overview of the man, his time, his love of truth, and his work. It is an extraordinary journey he takes us on, one well worth the time invested. I read this in parallel with N.T. Wright's biography of Paul. Though separated by time as they were, I often felt as if Augustine was functioning as Paul's mouthpiece.

The book is Augustine's capstone and this survey course serves it well. So well, in fact, that I will be looking for a modern translation to fill those evenings when I just simply want to be close to the time and its depth.

Highly recommended for those who want to understand the true underpinnings of faith.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deep analysis and at times he included too much detail. However, this course made me realize how radical St. Augustine was. He is probably the first Roman who wrote a comprehensive critique of Roman values and way of life. By no means a little achievement if you compare him to contemporary Roman writers from a couple of centuries around and it takes a sharp mind to be able to think like that. As a thinker and influencer of philosophy and culture, I regard him almost equal to people like Paul, Buddha, Muhammad, and so on. Not only that, his understanding of Christianity influences how Christians think about their responsibility in politics.

[Nick Heim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needed this to finish the City of God after book 10. I was a little out of my depth and struggling to understand what Augustine was getting at.

It's an excellent way to bridge the gap or get an expert opinion on the text. However, the lecturer cautions against reading or digesting other people's interpretation of a work multiple times. So I guess I'd better get around to finishing the damn book

[Rob]

An excellent guide to reading City of God. Dr Mathews helps contextualize the historical aspects as well as highlighting many of the revolutionary ideas that Augustine championed that may seem common place to us today.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some helpful commentary, but I didn't care for the writing style. It felt especially overwrought in comparison to Augustine's clear and straightforward prose. Overall not worth the time investment for me.

Note on the audio production: the lecturer has a slight but noticeable lisp. It became distracting after a while.

[Josh Kannard · Rating 5 out of 5]

After talking to a number of accomplished Augustine scholars about how to read the City of God, they all recommended this course, and for good reason. I don't think I would have made it through the book, or understood it anywhere near as well as I did, without this course.

[Briana Grenert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the transcript book!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful companion to The City of God, giving historical context and insight

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite through and enjoyable.

[Steven Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

>

[Jeremy Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Mattewes really brought home Augustine city of God. Made it very clear. Excellent stuff

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough and enlightening review of a book that I have been struggling with for 20 years. Absolutely fundamental to modern thought, its protoform and the lectures place it in context well.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

ÀAn excellent and extensive introduction to one of the most important works of Christian literature.

[Josh Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

[Doug White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent additive as you read The City of God

[Juan Rivera · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was young I remember reading the Theological Sum of St. Thomas Aquinas and discussed with a friend who had read the Confessions of St. Augustine multiple issues of these doctors of the church.

Today with the course: "Books That Matter: The City of God" published by The Great Courses narrated by Professor Charles Mathewes; I learned about St. Augustine much more.

His book is a compendium of the thought of this writer. I left the Catholic faith long ago but I found some interesting topics:

- The life of Rome before the Christian faith, the values ​​so different that they had and that today seem wild because we are inmersed in the Christian education that our parents gave us.
- His description of evil and the devil, the reasons why they exist.
- His reflections on hell, and as he says that hell is better and eternal damnation, than to cease to exist.

Anyway, today I read some of these things I can not but laugh, because I also believed them.