A review by horacelamb
City of God by Saint Augustine

5.0

This book is a classic for a reason. It's historical range and theological/philosophical depth are really incredible. And Augustine's knowledge of the Bible is equally impressive. It's not an easy book to read, particularly the first half where Augustine is interacting with the philosophers of his day. Some of these issues seem irrelevant to us today. But much of the book is quite modern in its applicability.

I listened to it, skimmed a print version and also listened to Charles Matthewes's lectures on the book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33244923-books-that-matter. So it may be more accurate to say I was exposed to the book rather than read it. But that exposure was sufficient to make me a fan and I hope to use it as a reference book going forward.

Matthewes notes this summary sentence toward the end of the book: "There, there in the eschaton, we shall rest and see, see and love, love and praise. Behold, this is what shall be in the end without end. For what other end is there for us, but to arrive at this kingdom
which has no end?"

Rest and see. See and love. Love and praise. That's how it will be at the end. Let us practice resting, seeing, loving and praising until that time.