The City of God, Volume I

The City of God, Volume I by Augustine of Hippo is a profound work by one of the most influential Christian thinkers of antiquity. Written during a time of great upheaval, it was composed in response to the decline of the Roman Empire and the growing tension between pagan traditions and the Christian faith. This first volume sets the stage for Augustine’s sweeping vision of two cities—one earthly and one divine—offering both a defense of Christianity and a meditation on the ultimate destiny of humanity. The work has had a lasting impact not only on theology but also on philosophy, politics, and literature. Its arguments about the nature of good and evil, divine providence, and the meaning of history shaped medieval thought and continue to resonate with readers seeking insight into the human condition. For those interested in early Christian writings, classical philosophy, or the foundations of Western thought, this text is an essential and enduring classic. This is an 1871 translation by Marcus Dods.