Virtues or Vices? 

  No. 6 of 7

     "The Roman government didn't possess justice, but it was a better government than others. Rome achieved peace and prosperity with a kind of martial virtue. Augustine saw her virtues as effective, but actually, 'splendid vices' that kept even worse vices in check."

     "Looking at American history, Augustine likely would accuse our version of the earthly city of failing the standard of justice. But he might also admit that the United States is as good as it gets on this earth. Ultimately, however, as good as it gets simply isn't good enough." 

     "Augustine dismissed civil theology. Our modern church and state operating in separate spheres owes much to his thinking. Ancient societies including Rome believed religion and civic life over lapped. After Rome converted to Christianity, old habits of thought persisted. Augustine warned that God never meant for Christians to think this way."

     "Despite his skepticism, Augustine supported civic order. He didn't advocate tearing down or replacing a government with some idealized policy that has no chance of achieving perfection. He cited Romans chapter 13 to remind Christians they are under the authority of the civic magistrate: 

     "'Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment,' he wrote."

Tomorrow: Martyrs the Real Heroes