Replay: What Difference Does A Doctrine of Creation Make?

Written between 413-426 CE, 'The City of God' is a response to pagan claims that the sack of Rome by barbarians was a consequence of the abolition of pagan worship by Christian emperors. Augustine argues that Christianity saved the city from complete destruction and that Rome’s fall was due to internal moral decay. The book divides humanity into two metaphorical cities: the City of God, characterized by devotion to God, and the City of Man, characterized by self-love. It also outlines Augustine’s theological interpretation of human history, from the Creation to the Second Coming of Christ, and critiques paganism and pagan philosophy while presenting the true history of the City of God.

'Resurrection and Moral Order' by Oliver O'Donovan provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between Christian eschatology and ethics. O'Donovan argues that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely a historical event but the foundation for a coherent moral order. He examines how Christian beliefs about the future resurrection should shape our understanding of justice, love, and responsibility in the present. The book critiques alternative ethical frameworks and offers a compelling vision of how Christian ethics can contribute to the renewal of society. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with the reality of the resurrection and living in anticipation of God's promised future.

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.