Hackett Publishing

The best available introduction to the political thought of Augustine, if not to Christian political thought in general. Included are generous selections from City of God, as well as from many lesser-known writings of Augustine.

"[This volume] offers one-stop access to the political ideas of a major pre-modern thinker. The translations are fresh, accurate, supple, and clear, and the notes and comments are helpful. Ernest Fortin's excellent Introduction sets the central text, the City of God, in historical perspective and outlines problems Augustine faced in trying to reconcile Christian faith with the legitimate demands of civic life."
     —Alan R. Perreiah, Teaching Philosophy

"Brilliantly organized. I particularly like the brief introductions before each section which help to set the context of each piece."
     —Brian Caza, Georgetown College


TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction.
Brief Chronology.
Note on the Editing and Translating.

The Reconsiderations.

The City of God (abridged).

The Compatibility of Christianity and Politics:
     From Letter 91, to Nectarius.
     From Letter 138, to Marcellinus.

Law and Self-Defense:
     On Free Choice I 5.11-6.15.

War:
     From Letter 189, to Boniface.
     Against Faustus the Manicheaen XXII. 73-79.

The Use of Persecution:
     From On True Religion, XVI.31
     From Letter 93, To Vincentius.
     Letter 133, to Marcellinus.

Property:
     From Tractates on John VI, 25-26

The Status of Women:
     On the Literal Interpretation of Genesis III. 22.
     IX. 5.
     IX. 7.

Lying:
     Enchiridion 6, 18-19.

Select Bibliography.
Index.