Books that Matter: The City of God

Books that Matter: The City of God is a tour de force of intellectual discovery that forms an integral part of The Great Courses Signature Collection. This engaging and enlightening series brings to life the profound theological, philosophical and historical implications of one of the most influential texts in the Christian world: The City of God, written by St. Augustine in the 5th century C.E.

The series provides viewers with a comprehensive understanding of The City of God, an epic work that covers a wide spectrum of topics, from the theology of the Christian Church and the history of the Roman Empire, to questions of free will, morality, ethics, and the nature of good and evil. As viewers engage with the series, they are drawn into the deep and robust treatise, seeing beyond its surface-level narrative to explore the underlying principles and ideas that form the crux of Augustine's thoughts.

The series is helmed by Professor Charles Mathewes, a renowned scholar and author who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and an ability to encapsulate complex theological and philosophical concepts in an engaging and accessible manner. He breaks down Augustine's monumental work chapter by chapter, elucidating its profound concepts and arguments.

Each episode of Books that Matter: The City of God is structured to provide a detailed analysis of specific aspects of Augustine's work. They delve into the historical context of The City of God, the influences that shaped Augustine as a clergyman and a philosopher, and the arguments he puts forth, which continue to inform Christian dogma to this day. Throughout the series, viewers discover how Augustine's seminal work marked a watershed moment in the evolution of Western religious thought and philosophy.

One of the striking features of Books that Matter: The City of God is its capacity to draw contemporary parallels, thereby highlighting the timeless relevance of Augustine's wisdom and insights. Despite being written more than a millennium ago, many of Augustine's ideas are still firmly embedded in contemporary discussions about politics, society, secularism, and religious philosophy. The series brilliantly demonstrates how The City of God remains central to understanding not just the trajectory of Christian thought, but also the deep-seated causes of societal change and the enduring questions of human existence.

Each episode of the series is enriched with visual aids, authoritative interpretations, and insightful discussions that invigorate the dialogue around The City of God. The interactive format, along with Professor Mathewes' easygoing and engaging style, encourages both novice and experienced learners to partake in this intellectual journey. The adept handling of the subject matter ensures that viewers, regardless of their pre-existing knowledge of theology or philosophy, can appreciate Augustine's masterpiece and gain insight into its wide-ranging impact.

Beyond the philosophical and theological implications of The City of God, the series also unravels the historical narratives intrinsic to Augustine's work. Viewers gain a deep understanding of the backdrop against which Augustine wrote his magnum opus, characterized by the fall of Rome and the rise of Christianity. As such, the series also offers an engaging exploration of world history, tightly intertwined with the evolution of religious doctrine and thought.

Books that Matter: The City of God, as part of The Great Courses Signature Collection, is an illuminating journey into the heart of one of the most influential texts in the Christian world. It invites viewers to engage with Augustine's words on a deeper level, unraveling complex theological, philosophical, and historical assertions in an accessible and stimulating manner. Whether you're seeking to broaden your knowledge of Christian theology, deepen your understanding of philosophical principles, or simply immerse yourself in the exploration of a significant historical period, the series is certain to open doors to new insights and perspectives.