“The glorious city of God is my theme in this work, which you, my dearest son Marcellinus, suggested, and which is due to you by my promise.” Thus begins The City of God by St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430). This video introduces you to this enduring classic of Christian literature through a close reading of its first sentence.

• 2:08 “City of God” as a Biblical concept and motif
• 6:10 “City of God” in its Greco-Roman context
• 8:13 Excursus: Citizens vs. resident aliens
• 11:00 Who was Marcellinus?
• 18:53 What was Augustine’s promise?

Photo by Tim van Cleef on Unsplash