The City of God, Volume II

A theological work written in the early 5th century. The book addresses the foundation of Christian doctrine, contrasting the City of God with the earthly city based on sin and moral decay. It delves into humanity's fall, original sin, and the implications of these ideas on the understanding of human society, worship, and moral behavior. The opening of the text establishes a framework for Augustine's argument, initiating with discussions on the sin of the first man and its repercussions on human nature and relationships. He emphasizes the catastrophic consequences of disobedience to God, asserting that original sin corrupted humanity's nature and led to a division between those who live according to the flesh and those who aspire to live according to the Spirit. Various points are made about the nature of sin, the workings of human will, and the theological significance of suffering and pleasure, setting the stage for a profound examination of moral philosophies and divine grace throughout the volume.