Saint Augustine and the Second Coming: A City Divided

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) stands as a towering figure in Christian

history, shaping Western theology with his prolific writings and profound meditations
on faith, grace, and the human condition. His views on the Second Coming of Christ,
however, were not static but evolved throughout his life. This essay explores
Augustine's multifaceted understanding of this crucial event, highlighting the tensions
and complexities that marked his perspective.

Early Millennialism:

Early in his theological journey, Augustine embraced a literal interpretation of the

millennium mentioned in the Book of Revelation (20:1-6). Influenced by prevailing
interpretations and the allure of a tangible earthly reign of Christ, he envisioned a
thousand-year period of peace and prosperity following the Second Coming. This
"earthly millennium" would be a time of restored Eden, where the righteous would
enjoy a blessed reign with Christ.

The City of God:

However, Augustine's magnum opus, The City of God, written in the wake of the
sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 AD, marked a turning point. The devastation
challenged simplistic millennial views, prompting Augustine to delve deeper into the
nature of history and the Church. He distinguished between the "City of God" (the
community of believers united by love of God) and the "City of Man" (earthly
societies driven by self-interest). This distinction reframed the focus from an earthly
millennium to a spiritual reality transcending earthly kingdoms.

A Realized Eschaton:

Building on this framework, Augustine reinterpreted the millennium not as a future

earthly period but as a present spiritual reality. The Church, he argued, already
embodied the "City of God" in its earthly form. The battle between good and evil,
traditionally associated with the apocalyptic events surrounding the Second Coming,
was seen as an ongoing struggle within history, a tension between the two cities.

The Importance of Judgment:

Despite this shift, Augustine never abandoned the core belief in the Second Coming.
He emphasized the final judgment, where God would separate the righteous from
the wicked. This judgment, however, was not a singular future event but a process
that began with death and culminated in the final resurrection.

Uncertain Timing:

While holding firm to the certainty of the Second Coming, Augustine remained
cautious about pinpointing its timing. He rejected calculations that attempted to
predict the exact date, arguing that such knowledge was not essential for Christian
faith. He emphasized instead the importance of living a life prepared for Christ's
return whenever it may occur.

Legacy of Ambiguity:
Augustine's views on the Second Coming left a complex legacy. His rejection of a
literal millennium and his emphasis on the spiritual aspect resonated with later
theologians. However, the tension between a realized eschaton and a future,
dramatic Second Coming continued to fuel theological debates.

Conclusion:

Saint Augustine's understanding of the Second Coming embodied a fascinating

interplay between continuity and change. He retained core beliefs from earlier
interpretations but reinterpreted them in light of his broader theology. His legacy
highlights the dynamic nature of Christian eschatology and the ongoing struggle to
grapple with the mysteries surrounding the end times.

Further Exploration:

This essay provides a foundation for further investigation:

● Explore Augustine's concept of the "City of God" and its implications for
understanding the Second Coming.
● Analyze the influence of the sack of Rome on Augustine's evolving millennial
views.
● Investigate the debates surrounding Augustine's eschatology in later Christian
thought.
● Examine Augustine's writings, particularly The City of God and De Civitate
Dei, for a deeper understanding of his views on the Second Coming.