The Cambridge Companion to Augustine's City of God

by David Vincent Meconi (Editor)

Augustine of Hippo's The City of God is generally considered to be one of the key works of Late Antiquity. Written in response to allegations that Christianity had brought about the decline of Rome, Augustine here explores themes in history, political science, and Christian theology, and argues for the truth of Christianity over competing religions and philosophies. This Companion volume includes specially-commissioned essays by an international team of scholars that provide new insights into The City of God. Offering commentary on each of this massive work's 22 books chapters, they sequentially and systematically explore The City of God as a whole. Collectively, these essays demonstrate the development and coherence of Augustine's argument. The volume will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars of ancient and contemporary theology, philosophy, cultural studies, and political theory.

Genres: Theology

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

In 1992, David Meconi entered the Jesuit novitiate. He was sent to Xavier University to teach Classics and Philosophy, and then to the University of Innsbruck to obtain a pontifical license in Patrology. There he wrote a thesis on the apologetic nature of the Christian cento.

He was missioned to Oxford, studying Augustine under one of Henry Chadwick's last students. His dissertation was on Augustine’s use of deification and the Christian’s call to become Christ.

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this companion doesn't replace actually reading the City of God, the various scholars that have contributed to this volume have provided a very helpful guide to the City of God with all of its moving parts. For those who are interested in Augustinian studies, many of the essays show the development in Augustine's thought as well as his engagement with his milieu. This is an excellent resource.