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/9780856688782.003.0005
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This chapter includes the commentary on Book VII of St. Augustine's The City of God. It mentions superiores libri...sufficient, in which Augustine argues that the Roman gods can afford no help in the ...
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This chapter includes the commentary on Book VII of St. Augustine's The City of God. It mentions superiores libri...sufficient, in which Augustine argues that the Roman gods can afford no help in the attainment of happiness in the future life and reverts to their inadequacy in aiding the present existence. It also discusses the identification of the select gods and clarifies whether they are to be regarded as exempted from the duties of the lesser deities. Since the gods of lower rank incur no disgrace through any scandals, they have fared better than the select gods, whose monstrous indecencies are widely publicised. The chapter looks at Terentius Varro's belief, which made him regard the world-soul as God, though it contains within its different parts many souls whose nature is divine.Less
This chapter includes the commentary on Book VII of St. Augustine's The City of God. It mentions superiores libri...sufficient, in which Augustine argues that the Roman gods can afford no help in the attainment of happiness in the future life and reverts to their inadequacy in aiding the present existence. It also discusses the identification of the select gods and clarifies whether they are to be regarded as exempted from the duties of the lesser deities. Since the gods of lower rank incur no disgrace through any scandals, they have fared better than the select gods, whose monstrous indecencies are widely publicised. The chapter looks at Terentius Varro's belief, which made him regard the world-soul as God, though it contains within its different parts many souls whose nature is divine.
