The City of God

Written by Augustine of Hippo, The City of God presents a nonfiction, philosophy, spirituality first published in 426. The City of God, Volume I is a work of Christian philosophy written in Latin in the early 5th century AD. Composed in response to Rome's sack by the Visigoths in 410, Augustine defends Christianity against accusations that it caused Rome's decline. He presents human history as a conflict between the Earthly City, those pursuing worldly pleasures, and the City of God, those dedicated to eternal truths. Through theological argument and historical analysis, Augustine refutes pagan religion and philosophy while expounding on suffering, evil, free will, and original sin. By returning to Apologetics -- Early works to 1800 and Kingdom of God -- Early works to 1800, the work links personal experience with wider social, moral, or imaginative concerns. The book’s distinctive character comes from a reflective style that asks readers to test arguments against experience. At roughly 444,136 words with a fairly difficult reading profile, it offers a reading commitment that is easy to judge before beginning while still leaving room for close attention. Readers still return to it because of its continuing value as a direct encounter with foundational questions. The result is a book that rewards readers who enjoy reflective style while leaving room for reflection.