Intermission

[Nemo]

We've finished Part I (Bks. I- X) of City of God. This is an open discussion to give people the chance to catch up, take a breather, or discuss anything and everything related to Part I.

Augustine summarizes Part I as follows:

Of these ten books, the first five were directed against those who think we should worship the gods for the sake of the blessings of this life, and the second five against those who think we should worship them for the sake of the life which is to be after death.

In other words, Part I of City of God is about "human flourishing".

[Nemo]

Someone might ask, what does human flourishing have to do with religion or philosophy?

I think Augustine would say that the goal of both religion and philosophy, at least in ancient times, is human flourishing.

[John]

“Flourishing” seems to fall into one of the main goals of Augustine: How do we find happiness outside of our Roman identity? Remembering that the fall of Rome has just happened when Augustine write this has been helpful to understanding some of the text. I’d say books I, V & X have been the most thought provoking and engaging.