The City of God

Throughout City of God, Augustine employs arguments from the fields of history, theology, and philosophy. Which of these do you think he used the most effectively, and why? Which did he use the least effectively, and why?

City of God addresses itself to issues and questions raised by pagans, but it has been preserved and read largely by Christians throughout its history. Whom do you think was Augustine’s intended audience for this book: pagans, Christians, or both?

If Part 1 of City of God is Augustine going on offense against paganism, and Part 2 is his defense of Christianity, in which role do you think Augustine made a more effective case? What weaknesses, if any, do you think his strongest case has?