Books That Matter: The City of God

Course Overview

Travel chapter by chapter through Augustine’s masterpiece as an award-winning professor introduces you to the book’s key arguments and the historical context necessary to comprehend The City of God’s true power.

Augustine of Hippo’s The City of God is a monumental work, yet its nearly 1,000 pages often intimidate serious readers. Written after the sack of Rome in the 5th century, it guides you through an incredible historical and theological journey. What makes this book so powerful? What mysteries lie within its pages? Over 24 in-depth lectures, Professor Mathewes from the University of Virginia guides you through Augustine’s magnum opus, introducing key arguments alongside the historical context needed to grasp its profound influence.

In these lectures, you will explore significant philosophical challenges Augustine faced, such as the problem of evil, the dynamic between faith and reason, fate versus free will, and the very nature of God. His approach aims to help readers live “happy in hope,” the only true happiness in a fallen world. Whether you approach this book as a Christian, philosopher, historian, literature lover, or simply out of curiosity, Augustine will profoundly influence your understanding of politics, religion, history, and humanity’s connection to the divine.

Video Lecture List

1. Your Passport to The City of God

• 32 min
• Dive into the layers of this powerful book, exploring its purpose, audience, and contemporary impact.

1. Who Was Augustine of Hippo?

• 33 min
• Uncover the real Augustine, dispelling misconceptions about his metaphysical dualism and church law adherence.

1. The Sack of Rome, 410 A.D.

• 29 min
• Learn how the brief sack of Rome acted as a catalyst for change in Augustine’s writing.

1. Augustine’s Pagan and Christian Audience

• 33 min
• Set the stage for Augustine’s work by understanding his diverse audiences and their contrasting views.

1. The Problem of Suffering (Book 1)

• 30 min
• Explore Augustine’s beliefs about suffering and happiness through the lens of civic-minded Roman citizens.

1. The Price of Empire (Books 2-3)

• 33 min
• Analyze Augustine’s critique of Roman morality and the implications of their quest for domination.

1. Augustine’s Political Vision (Book 4)

• 32 min
• Examine Augustine’s distinct political philosophy contrasting with Roman beliefs.

1. Splendid Vices and Happiness in Hope (Book 5)

• 30 min
• Discover how to pursue happiness while being a good citizen according to Augustine’s teachings.

1. Public Religion in Imperial Rome (Books 6-7)

• 33 min
• Delve into Augustine’s critique of Roman philosophers and their view on religion.

1. Who or What Is God? (Books 8-9)

• 32 min
• Discuss Augustine’s transcendent view of God and its implications.

(…Continued through all 24 lectures)