Themes in Augustine's "City of God”

Saint Augustine's "City of God" remains a cornerstone of Christian thought, combining theology, philosophy, and history. In Book I, Augustine references the practice of educating young boys with Virgil's poetry, revealing insights into the nature of education, the lasting impact of early learning, and the interplay between pagan literature and Christian doctrine. This passage, though brief, addresses several significant themes.

Augustine’s mention of Virgil shows the high position classical education held in the ancient world. Virgil, as the preeminent poet of Rome, represented the height of literary excellence. Augustine notes how Virgil's works are read by boys, indicating that foundational education involved exposure to the best of secular literature (Augustine, 1998). This theme highlights a respect for classical learning, even within a Christian framework, suggesting that the truths and beauties found in pagan literature could still serve a purpose in the moral and intellectual formation of individuals.

The phrase "impregnate their virgin minds" is particularly evocative, indicating the lasting influence early education has on the young. Augustine’s use of this metaphor speaks to the formative power of education, what is learned in youth remains deeply embedded in the mind. By comparing young minds to fresh casks that retain the taste of their first contents, Augustine emphasizes the permanence of early impressions (O'Daly, 1999). This theme resonates with modern educational theories that stress the critical importance of early childhood learning in shaping cognitive and moral development.

Augustine's work combines pagan philosophy and Christian theology. By citing Virgil and Horace, Augustine shows a nuanced approach to pre-Christian literature, recognizing its value while reinterpreting it through a Christian lens (Markus, 2001). This theme of integration reflects a broader intellectual effort to reconcile classical heritage with Christian doctrine. Augustine does not dismiss the wisdom of the ancients but recontextualizes it, showing how truths discovered by pagan authors can align with, and enhance, Christian teachings.

Underlying this passage is a reflection on the purpose of education. For Augustine, education is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about forming character and virtue. Exposure to great poetry is intended to cultivate moral and intellectual virtues in the young, preparing them for a life of wisdom and piety (Harrison, 2006). This theme aligns with the broader Christian perspective that views education as a means to attain spiritual and intellectual growth, guiding individuals toward a greater understanding of truth and goodness.

Finally, Augustine’s reference to Virgil highlights the power of literature to shape human thought and culture. Great literary works, whether pagan or Christian, have the capacity to move, instruct, and transform their readers. Augustine’s admiration for Virgil suggests an acknowledgment of the qualities of great poetry, its ability to capture universal truths and inspire the human spirit (O'Donnell, 2005). This theme speaks to the value of literature in human civilization, affirming its role in the pursuit of wisdom and virtue.

In this passage, Augustine addresses themes of classical education, the impact of early learning, the integration of pagan and Christian thought, the purpose of education, and the power of literature. Each theme contributes to an understanding of Augustine’s vision for a relationship between secular wisdom and Christian faith. Through his approach, Augustine offers a model for how Christians might engage with the cultural heritage of the past, recognizing its value while orienting it toward the truths revealed in the Christian faith. This synthesis remains a guiding principle for educational and intellectual efforts within the Christian tradition, encouraging ongoing exploration and integration of diverse sources of wisdom.

References

Augustine. (1998). City of God. New York: Penguin Classics.
Harrison, C. (2006). Rethinking Augustine’s Early Theology: An Argument for Continuity. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Markus, R. A. (2001). Augustine: A Synthesis of Classical and Christian Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
O'Daly, G. (1999). Augustine's City of God: A Reader's Guide. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
O'Donnell, J. J. (2005). Augustine: A New Biography. New York: Harper Perennial.