Reading St. Augustine's City of God with St. Thomas Aquinas | Prof. Chad Pecknold
Apr 21, 2024
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Prof. Chad Pecknold discusses St. Augustine's City of God and its relevance in Western history. They compare Augustine and Aquinas' views on virtue, sacrifice, and divine assistance. The podcast also explores themes of human dignity, equality, and the necessity of grace for virtuous living.
Medieval scholars focused on the virtue of religion in St. Augustine's City of God, analyzed extensively by Thomas Aquinas.
Augustine's moral exploration through historical figures like Lucretia highlights nuanced analysis of virtuous behaviors.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of genuine worship, sacrifice, and true connections with divine entities.
Deep dives
Augustine's City of God: A Systematic and Multifaceted Work
Augustine's City of God is discussed as a multifaceted work with significant historical and theological implications throughout Western history. The podcast delves beyond the commonly highlighted slice of Book 19 to emphasize the systematic nature of the text. By investigating how figures like Thomas Aquinas engaged with the City of God, listeners are exposed to a varied range of interpretations and uses of the text in the 13th century.
Medieval Interest in the Virtue of Religion in the City of God
The medieval scholars displayed a specific interest in the virtue of religion as depicted in the City of God. They examined one particular line about the virtue of religion, focusing on how Thomas Aquinas analyzed and interpreted this key aspect. Aquinas cited the City of God extensively in his works, showcasing a deep familiarity with Augustine's text and highlighting the importance of the virtue of religion in theological discourse.
Exploring Virtue and Vice through Historical Roman Examples
Augustine's exploration of virtue and vice through historical Roman figures like Lucretia and Regulus provides valuable insights into moral themes within the City of God. By contrasting the responses of these figures to suffering, the podcast highlights Augustine's nuanced analysis of virtuous behaviors and the consequences of moral actions. The discussions shed light on the complexities of ethical decision-making and the implications of individual choices in historical contexts.
Religion, Sacrifice, and True Worship in Civic Discourse
Themes of religion, sacrifice, and true worship emerge as pivotal aspects in civic discourse within the City of God. Augustine's differentiation between genuine worship and false acts of devotion underscores the importance of sincere intentions and inner disposition in religious practices. The podcast delves into the significance of sacrifice as a means of uniting individuals with divine entities, emphasizing the role of worship in establishing moral and spiritual connections within society.
Equality, Human Dignity, and the Quest for Common Good
The concept of equality and human dignity is explored within the context of societal structures and ethical frameworks. The podcast navigates the complexities of recognizing equal human dignity despite individual differences, emphasizing the quest for a common good grounded in ethical values and intrinsic worth. By examining how differing individuals contribute to a shared understanding of dignity, listeners are encouraged to reflect on the foundational principles of equality and respect within diverse communities.