Comparative Themes in Religious Studies: Augustine’s City of God and Contemporary Thought WT
Augustine's City of God was written in the early fifth century as part of his general critique of Roman society and political theology, and has had a lasting influence in the Western tradition. The notion of the "city of God" also represents Augustine's fundamental idea about history and society. Taking this notion as a point of departure, we will examine how contemporary thinkers have engaged Augustine's thought on various subjects. We will consider: the relevanace of Augustine's thought to contemporary social reality; the extent to which Augustine's contemporary interlocutors sustain or challenge his critique of human institutions; and the role religion plays in that critique. 3 hrs. sem.