P.G. Walsh (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- February 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780856688782
- eISBN:
- 9781800343009
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9780856688782.003.0002
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This chapter provides the text and translation for Book VI of St. Augustine's The City of God, which adverts to the topic of life after death and changes tack to devote close attention to Terentius ...
More
This chapter provides the text and translation for Book VI of St. Augustine's The City of God, which adverts to the topic of life after death and changes tack to devote close attention to Terentius Varro's distinguished research on Roman religion. Augustine pays lip-service to his proclaimed theme of the pentad, the rebuttal of the claim that the Roman religion had been efficacious for the conferment of eternal happiness after death. It talks about Augustine's discussion with Varro and praise of his learning, appending Cicero's celebrated tribute in the Academica. It also gives a resumé of the content of Varro's Antiquitates, with the subdivisions of Res Humanae and Res Diuinae. Augustine exploits Varro's learning to condemn the illogicalities of the religious system in general and in particular of worship of the select deities.Less
This chapter provides the text and translation for Book VI of St. Augustine's The City of God, which adverts to the topic of life after death and changes tack to devote close attention to Terentius Varro's distinguished research on Roman religion. Augustine pays lip-service to his proclaimed theme of the pentad, the rebuttal of the claim that the Roman religion had been efficacious for the conferment of eternal happiness after death. It talks about Augustine's discussion with Varro and praise of his learning, appending Cicero's celebrated tribute in the Academica. It also gives a resumé of the content of Varro's Antiquitates, with the subdivisions of Res Humanae and Res Diuinae. Augustine exploits Varro's learning to condemn the illogicalities of the religious system in general and in particular of worship of the select deities.
P.G. Walsh (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- February 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780856688782
- eISBN:
- 9781800343009
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9780856688782.003.0004
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This chapter includes the commentary on Book VI of St. Augustine's The City of God. Quinque superioribus libris refutes the claim that the pagan deities ensured for the Romans both prosperity in this ...
More
This chapter includes the commentary on Book VI of St. Augustine's The City of God. Quinque superioribus libris refutes the claim that the pagan deities ensured for the Romans both prosperity in this world and a blessed life in the hereafter. It refutes the argument that men's success depends on the faithful observance of the numerous deities which they customarily worship. Augustine condemns the false gods which he claims are demons impersonating the Roman deities and inhabit their statues. These demons, which Augustine later identifies with the fallen angels of Hebraic and Christian thought, are visualized in the context of Middle Platonist thought as depicted chiefly by Apuleius.Less
This chapter includes the commentary on Book VI of St. Augustine's The City of God. Quinque superioribus libris refutes the claim that the pagan deities ensured for the Romans both prosperity in this world and a blessed life in the hereafter. It refutes the argument that men's success depends on the faithful observance of the numerous deities which they customarily worship. Augustine condemns the false gods which he claims are demons impersonating the Roman deities and inhabit their statues. These demons, which Augustine later identifies with the fallen angels of Hebraic and Christian thought, are visualized in the context of Middle Platonist thought as depicted chiefly by Apuleius.
