119 - Tim Harmon on The City of God and Confronting Pagan Philosophies

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Tim Harmon at NSA - https://nsa.edu/authors/timothy-harmon

Ezra Institute - https://www.ezrainstitute.com/training-programs/worldview-leadership-academy/

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Timothy Harmon discusses Augustine's City of God and its relevance for Christians today. He provides background information on Augustine's life and the context in which City of God was written. Dr. Harmon explains Augustine's vision of history and the distinction between the City of God and the City of Man. He emphasizes the importance of ordered loves and how they lead to true happiness. Dr. Harmon also addresses the challenges of living as Christians in a pagan culture and the tension between pietism and obedience. He concludes by discussing Augustine's eschatology and the kingdom of God.

Takeaways

Augustine's City of God provides a framework for understanding history and the Christian's role in the world.

Ordered loves, rooted in the love of God, lead to true happiness and fulfillment.

Living as Christians in a pagan culture requires discernment and a commitment to the values of the City of God.

Augustine's eschatology offers hope and confidence in God's sovereign plan for the world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:04 Who is Augustine?

06:44 Writing City of God

10:49 Augustine's Vision of History

12:44 The City of God and the City of Man

15:52 Ordered Loves and Happiness

18:26 Plato's Conception of the Real

20:20 Living Differently as Christians

22:22 The Vision of Love in a Pagan Culture

28:47 Augustine's Eschatology and the Kingdom of God

33:21 Addressing Modern Pagan Philosophies

36:26 The Tension Between Pietism and Obedience