{"product_id":"essential-city-of-god-a-reader-and-commentary-9781540968357","title":"Essential City of God: A Reader and Commentary","description":"\u003cp\u003eAugustine is the most influential thinker of Western Christianity, and \u003ci\u003eCity of God\u003c\/i\u003e is arguably his greatest work.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the sack of Rome in 410, many Romans despaired about the future of the empire. Critics of Christianity blamed the devastation on the empire's conversion to the faith. \u003ci\u003eCity of God\u003c\/i\u003e is Augustine's monumental response to these challenges, developed through analysis of Roman society, engagement with classical philosophy, and extended commentary on Scripture. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese sprawling discussions yield Augustine's theology of the two cities, according to which all people are divided into two communities according to their ultimate loves, whether of God or of self. Christians are called to love eternal goods over temporal goods even as they seek the peace of the earthly city.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe length and complexity of \u003ci\u003eCity of God\u003c\/i\u003e make its argument difficult to follow, even for specialists. This resource abridges Augustine's work and makes it accessible for a wide readership. The selections focus on his social and political thought while indicating the larger shape of his work. They are accompanied by explanatory notes, essays on critical and complex topics, and an outline of the entire text. These aids will enable readers to experience Augustine's work for themselves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Essential \"City of God\"\u003c\/i\u003e retrieves ancient wisdom for the modern world, offering an enduring vision for faithfulness and hope in times of social instability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Baker Publishing Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51276685181202,"sku":"9781540968357","price":76.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_e2160009-12ef-49d4-b707-b878e1fecad5.jpg?v=1747135406","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/essential-city-of-god-a-reader-and-commentary-9781540968357","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}