Thinking Politically with Augustine

September 16, 2024 - October 7, 2024
From 7:00-9:00 PM (ET): Monday, September 16, 2024 Monday, September 23, 2024 Monday, September 30, 2024 Monday, October 7, 2024
$399USD for four sessions
PrincetonNJ
USA

Faithful Political Engagement in Difficult Times

In the midst of America’s political climate this election year, Thinking Politically with Augustine turns to the past to explore the perspectives of Augustine (354-430 C.E.), a revered and intellectual predecessor in the faith. Through the lens of this prolific author, seminar participants will gain refreshed insights into citizenship, political humility, and the Christian journey as a pilgrimage. Over four sessions, we will closely read and critically discuss excerpts from City of God, a selection of sermons and letters, and a piece of contemporary Augustine scholarship.

Over four seminar sessions, you will:

  •  Develop your familiarity with Augustine: Develop a familiarity with historical and theological aspects of the political thought of the early church father, in part by delving into Augustine’s sermons – an understudied body of work.
  •  Deepen your articulation: Deepen your ability to articulate the schema of the two cities, which is foundational to Augustine’s magnus opus, City of God.
  •  Refine a faithful framework: Refine a faithful framework for approaching politics in troubled times today (nearing the November election) by being exposed to the contemporary tradition of political Augustinianism, (for example, through the work of Princeton University professor Eric Gregory).