P. G. Walsh (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780856687525
- eISBN:
- 9781800342989
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3828/liverpool/9780856687525.003.0002
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This chapter provides the original text and translation of the Book I of Augustine's City of God. It discusses the irrational attitude of pagans who attribute the calamity to the suppression of ...
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This chapter provides the original text and translation of the Book I of Augustine's City of God. It discusses the irrational attitude of pagans who attribute the calamity to the suppression of traditional Roman worship, and the appropriate Christian response to indignities people had been subjected to. It also cites various historical examples, which document the fate of cities before Christianity existed, and ethical guidance on the appropriate behaviour for Christians when confronted by various tribulations. The chapter analyses the contrast between the clemency experienced by Romans at the hands of the Visigoths and the grim fate of the legendary Trojans abandoned by their guardian-gods. It looks at Augustine's extended discussion on the plight of Christians imprisoned by the Visigoths.Less
This chapter provides the original text and translation of the Book I of Augustine's City of God. It discusses the irrational attitude of pagans who attribute the calamity to the suppression of traditional Roman worship, and the appropriate Christian response to indignities people had been subjected to. It also cites various historical examples, which document the fate of cities before Christianity existed, and ethical guidance on the appropriate behaviour for Christians when confronted by various tribulations. The chapter analyses the contrast between the clemency experienced by Romans at the hands of the Visigoths and the grim fate of the legendary Trojans abandoned by their guardian-gods. It looks at Augustine's extended discussion on the plight of Christians imprisoned by the Visigoths.
Martha Rampton
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781501702686
- eISBN:
- 9781501735301
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9781501702686.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
This chapter considers how traffic with demons was so etched on some ritual forms of traditional Roman worship that either new rites had to be developed or the symbolic content of old rituals ...
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This chapter considers how traffic with demons was so etched on some ritual forms of traditional Roman worship that either new rites had to be developed or the symbolic content of old rituals reframed for the early Christian church. The clergy sought to save meaningful and familiar ritual forms when it seemed possible to redirect the symbolic content. However, some behaviors were so thoroughly saturated with messages counter to Christian truths that they could not be reformed. Christians thus created a new kind of space where demons dared not tread. The enclosed hallowed space provided a clean slate on which a new story could be written in the language of ritual. Here, Christian worship aligned itself in form and tone with traditional somber customs of Roman worship, but the symbolic content making up the pagan rituals was redirected, and the aspects attractive to demons were filtered out.Less
This chapter considers how traffic with demons was so etched on some ritual forms of traditional Roman worship that either new rites had to be developed or the symbolic content of old rituals reframed for the early Christian church. The clergy sought to save meaningful and familiar ritual forms when it seemed possible to redirect the symbolic content. However, some behaviors were so thoroughly saturated with messages counter to Christian truths that they could not be reformed. Christians thus created a new kind of space where demons dared not tread. The enclosed hallowed space provided a clean slate on which a new story could be written in the language of ritual. Here, Christian worship aligned itself in form and tone with traditional somber customs of Roman worship, but the symbolic content making up the pagan rituals was redirected, and the aspects attractive to demons were filtered out.
