Augustine's "City of God" explores the relationship between divine order and earthly politics. He presents a dual-city concept: the City of God, focused on spiritual matters, and the City of Man, centered on worldly concerns. This framework shapes his political theology.

Augustine's ideas influenced medieval political thought, emphasizing the role of divine providence in human affairs. He argues for a balance between church and state, introducing concepts like just war and earthly peace that continue to impact political philosophy today.

Divine Order and Human Nature

Divine Providence and the Inherent Flaws of Humanity

• Divine Providence refers to God's plan and governance of the universe, guiding all events and human actions towards their ultimate end
• Humans possess free will, but their choices are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will and providential plan
• Original Sin, the inherent sinfulness of humanity inherited from Adam and Eve's fall, corrupts human nature and leads to a propensity for evil and wrongdoing
• Due to Original Sin, humans are unable to achieve perfect goodness or righteousness on their own, requiring God's grace for salvation

The Contrast Between Earthly Strife and Heavenly Peace

• Heavenly Peace represents the perfect, harmonious state of existence in heaven, characterized by the absence of conflict, sin, and suffering
• In contrast to the strife and turmoil of earthly life, Heavenly Peace is the ultimate goal and destination for Christians
• Attaining Heavenly Peace requires faith in God, adherence to His commandments, and the acceptance of His grace and salvation
• The promise of Heavenly Peace serves as a source of hope and motivation for Christians amidst the challenges and imperfections of earthly existence (spiritual fulfillment)

Earthly Political Theory

The Two Cities: City of God and City of Man

• Augustine's political theory centers around the concept of two cities: the City of God and the City of Man
• The City of God consists of those who prioritize spiritual matters, love God, and seek eternal salvation
• The City of Man is composed of individuals who prioritize worldly concerns, self-love, and temporal pleasures
• These two cities coexist in the world, with their members intermingled, but ultimately have different goals and destinies

Earthly Peace and the Necessity of Just War

• Earthly Peace refers to the temporary, imperfect peace that can be achieved in the world through the maintenance of order and justice
• Governments and political authorities have a responsibility to promote Earthly Peace by restraining evil, punishing wrongdoing, and protecting the innocent
• Just War Theory outlines the conditions under which war can be morally justified, such as in self-defense or to protect the innocent from aggression
• Augustine argues that war, when waged justly and with the right intentions, can be a means of promoting Earthly Peace and restraining evil (protection of citizens)

Christian Political Philosophy

The Two Swords Doctrine and the Relationship Between Church and State

• The Two Swords Doctrine, derived from Luke 22:38, symbolizes the spiritual authority of the Church and the temporal authority of the State
• Augustine asserts that both the Church and the State have distinct roles and spheres of influence, with the Church guiding spiritual matters and the State governing earthly affairs
• While the Church and the State are separate entities, they should cooperate and support each other in the pursuit of justice and the common good
• The State should protect and defend the Church, while the Church should provide moral guidance and spiritual support to the State (symbiotic relationship)

The Ideal Christian Political Order

• Augustine envisions a Christian Political Order in which both the Church and the State work together to promote virtue, justice, and the worship of God
• In this ideal order, political leaders are guided by Christian principles and seek to govern in accordance with God's will
• The primary goal of the Christian Political Order is to create a society that fosters spiritual growth, moral righteousness, and the ultimate attainment of Heavenly Peace
• While the perfect Christian Political Order may not be fully achievable on earth due to human sinfulness, it serves as a model and aspiration for Christian communities and governments (guiding principle)