The City of God, Volume II

This volume brings a fresh, elegant translation of Augustine’s monumental work, continuing the scholarly effort to make his thoughts accessible to modern ears. The editor gathered a team of capable translators to preserve both accuracy and the literary quality of the original Latin. Listeners will find a clear presentation of Augustine’s response to the turmoil of his age, framing the Christian worldview against the backdrop of Roman society.

In Book Fourteenth, Augustine turns his attention to the original sin of the first humans, arguing that their disobedience introduced a pervasive corruption that still stains every generation. He contrasts two rival societies—the “city of man” driven by fleshly desires and the “city of God” guided by the spirit—showing how each pursues its own peace. The discussion lays the groundwork for the larger theological argument that will unfold throughout the rest of the work, inviting listeners to reflect on the nature of grace, justice, and human destiny.