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 ...
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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.
P.G. Walsh and P.G. Walsh (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- February 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780856688782
- eISBN:
- 9781800343009
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9780856688782.003.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This chapter focuses on Augustine's Book VI and VII of The City of God, which refutes the pagans' claims that the Roman deities had ensured unbroken success in the acquisition and growth of empire. ...
More
This chapter focuses on Augustine's Book VI and VII of The City of God, which refutes the pagans' claims that the Roman deities had ensured unbroken success in the acquisition and growth of empire. It adverts to the topic of life after death and devotes close attention to Marcus Terentius Varro's distinguished research on Roman religion. It also provides a description of Terentius Varro, who was born at Reate in Sabine territory and became a praetor who fought on Pompey's side in the Civil War. The chapter mentions Julius Caesar, who commissioned Terentius Varro to establish the first public library at Rome. It looks at Terentius Varro's writings that covered virtually all disciplines — philosophy, religion, language, law, social history, geography, and agriculture.Less
This chapter focuses on Augustine's Book VI and VII of The City of God, which refutes the pagans' claims that the Roman deities had ensured unbroken success in the acquisition and growth of empire. It adverts to the topic of life after death and devotes close attention to Marcus Terentius Varro's distinguished research on Roman religion. It also provides a description of Terentius Varro, who was born at Reate in Sabine territory and became a praetor who fought on Pompey's side in the Civil War. The chapter mentions Julius Caesar, who commissioned Terentius Varro to establish the first public library at Rome. It looks at Terentius Varro's writings that covered virtually all disciplines — philosophy, religion, language, law, social history, geography, and agriculture.
P.G. Walsh (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- February 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780856688546
- eISBN:
- 9781800343016
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9780856688546.003.0008
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This chapter provides the commentary on Book VIII of St. Augustine's The City of God. It reviews the main thrust of Augustine's criticism that has been directed at the civic rituals that were based ...
More
This chapter provides the commentary on Book VIII of St. Augustine's The City of God. It reviews the main thrust of Augustine's criticism that has been directed at the civic rituals that were based on the mythological accounts of the Graeco-Roman deities. The myths were enacted in the stage shows mounted at the religious festivals, which Augustine repeatedly emphasized are important in the pagan religious traditions. Augustine cites and condemns the portrayal of the deities as thieves, adulterers, and slaves for the demons impersonate the gods and portray them unworthily. Augustine gives notice that he will exclude from his discussion the Epicureans, who believed that gods exist but live a life of self-absorption, with no interest in the affairs of men.Less
This chapter provides the commentary on Book VIII of St. Augustine's The City of God. It reviews the main thrust of Augustine's criticism that has been directed at the civic rituals that were based on the mythological accounts of the Graeco-Roman deities. The myths were enacted in the stage shows mounted at the religious festivals, which Augustine repeatedly emphasized are important in the pagan religious traditions. Augustine cites and condemns the portrayal of the deities as thieves, adulterers, and slaves for the demons impersonate the gods and portray them unworthily. Augustine gives notice that he will exclude from his discussion the Epicureans, who believed that gods exist but live a life of self-absorption, with no interest in the affairs of men.
