In our next set of readings we delve into the profound and influential thought of St. Augustine of Hippo, particularly his understanding of history and time. Augustine's perspective, forged in the crucible of late antiquity, has indelibly shaped Western thought, influencing theology, philosophy, and our very conception of historical narrative.
We will explore how Augustine grapples with time not as a cyclical phenomenon, but as a linear progression guided by divine providence. This contrasts sharply with classical views of history, offering a new framework centred on God's unfolding plan for humanity. Our readings are taken from The City of God, Book XV, Chapter 2, and Confessions, Book XI, Chapters 14 and 15. In The City of God, Augustine examines the earthly and heavenly cities, providing a theological interpretation of historical events and human societies. From Confessions, we can explore Augustine's personal reflections on the nature of time, memory, and the eternal present of God.
These texts are a springboard for unpacking Augustine's revolutionary ideas: his understanding of time as a creation of God, his emphasis on divine intervention in human affairs, and his vision of history as a pilgrimage toward a final, eschatological end. By examining these concepts, we can better understand how Augustine's thought has shaped the Western understanding of history as a meaningful and purposeful journey under God's providential guidance.
-Stephen Woodnutt
