Monday, May 26
Book 3 Opening Thoughts
This section seems to focus on all the disasters and wars that befell the Romans leading up to Christ. Augustine emphasizes the sufferings they underwent in spite of the fact that their gods they worship are there to provide "transitory prosperity." As Christians, we suffer as well. Thus, what are the differences between us suffering and the Romans suffering (described in this section)? Is it only because we are not promised prosperity/security in transitory things and only in eternity that sufferings don't nullify God's existence, whereas with the Romans it does?
Also, I was interested by what Augustine says about their "restless ambition" (3.14) that causes the Romans to fight, etc. They also seem to have an ambition in amassing more gods on their side- "the greater she became, the more gods she thought she should have, as the larger ship needs to be manned by a larger crew" (3.12). What do you guys think about this? What is the role of ambition in religion? (for them or in general)... applying to Christianity, is there such a thing as an 'ambitious Christian'?
