Episode 254: The City of God - Book XI: Chapters 1-9
In The City of God Book XI, Chapters 1-9, St. Augustine begins his exploration of the origins of the two "cities"—the City of God and the earthly city—by reflecting on the nature of God as the eternal, unchanging creator of all things. He emphasizes the goodness of God's creation, including the spiritual and material realms, and establishes that all beings were created good, with evil arising not as a substance but as a corruption or turning away from this goodness. Augustine discusses the creation of angels, asserting that some remained faithful to God while others, through pride, fell and became demons. He also explores the concept of time, noting that it is a creation of God and distinct from His eternal nature. This section sets the foundation for understanding the ultimate division between the heavenly and earthly cities based on the orientation of will and love—toward God or self.
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