Abstract

St. Augustine’s Cassiciacum dialogues have a subtle yet important political dimension. Nevertheless the focal points of the dialogues are essentially nonpolitical, and some of Augustine’s statements can be construed as hostile to civic life and to any thoughtful reflection on the best political order. This article argues that these apparent inconsistencies are not signs of a contradictory attitude but reveal a three-pronged strategy by Augustine to forge a properly Christian attitude towards political life, a strategy that involves (1) debunking patriotic fervor, (2) inflaming the love of truth, and (3) re-engaging the ciuitas from a higher perspective.

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