Book Review: City of God by Augustine of Hippo

Augustine of Hippo wrote this timeless work nearly 1600 years ago in response to the decline of the Roman Empire and the charges that the decline was based, in large, on the rise of Christianity. Augustine takes the reader through a series if theological and philosophical arguments to demonstrate the fallacy of this charge, and to demonstrate the truth of Christianity as a revealed religion.

The basics of Christian theology are laid out in the book, and the influence that Augustine had with this book on the shaping of the modern Catholic Church are evident - and those insights are relevant and interesting.

The book is not for the faint of heart. I have studied theology for nearly three decades in some form or another, and the book has references and supposes a base of philosophical, theological and literary knowledge that is not common in the modern reader. It was tough sledding at times, as the 1600 year old writing style and apologetics are a bit of a twister on the mind.

If this area of study and knowledge is in your bally-wick, pick up the book.