Appian Way Press

The City of God, Volume Two: The Origin, History, and Destiny of the Two Cities (Books 11–22)

by Saint Augustine

In the second half of The City of God, Augustine moves beyond refutation to construct one of the most influential Christian interpretations of history ever written. Following his critique of pagan religion in the opening books, Augustine turns in Books 11–22 to a positive exposition of Christian doctrine. He traces the origin of the two cities—the City of God and the earthly city—to the beginning of creation, locating their division not in political structures but in the fundamental orientation of love toward God or toward self. Augustine develops this vision across the sweep of history. He reflects on the fall of angels and humans, the nature of death and sin, and the role of Christ as the true mediator. Sacred history is set alongside secular history, as the people of God move through time within, not apart from, the rise and fall of earthly powers.