Podcasts about City of God

In Ezra chapter 7, we move into the period in Israel's history when Ezra leads a new wave of returning exiles. He brings with him a sound anchoring in the Word of God and needed reforms to the people of God. All that Ezra will experience and accomplish comes through God's good hand upon him, and his own heart posture to submit to the Lord's yoke, through his “skilled” study, application, and teaching of God's Word. May we adopt a similar heart posture as we live under the gracious hand of God, whose yoke is easy and burden is light! 

"The Eternal City of God" (Revelation 21:1 - 22:5)

Read Online“So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?' or ‘What are we to drink?' or ‘What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” Matthew 6:31–34In the fifth century, Saint Augustine wrote The City of God, one of the most important works in Catholic thought and Western philosophy. In it, he contrasted the Christian “City of God” with the pagan “City of Man,” responding to those who blamed Christianity for the decline of the Roman Empire. He writes: “Thus, two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly city by a love of self to the point of contempt for God, and the heavenly city by a love of God to the point of contempt for self. The former glories in itself, while the latter glories in the Lord.” (XIV.28)At the time, the once-mighty Roman Empire was in steady decline, and many falsely attributed its downfall to the rise of Christianity. Augustine, however, defended the faith, offering a profound theological and philosophical exposition of history, divine providence, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. By contrasting these two fundamental orientations of civilization—the City of Man, built on self-love and earthly glory, and the City of God, founded on divine love and eternal truth—Augustine illuminated the true path to human flourishing and salvation.Augustine's words echo Christ's teaching in today's Gospel, offering clarity and encouragement to the faithful of his time who labored to build up the growing Catholic Church. Today, his insights remain just as relevant, guiding the Church amid a world increasingly consumed by materialism and secular values.Which “city” is more attractive to you? If we are to truly build the City of God—or the Kingdom of God, as Jesus calls it—we must remain vigilant against the many secular influences that pull us away from the Gospel and the work of building God's Kingdom.As Jesus teaches, the pagans seek and worry about the things of this world, often at the expense of what is eternal. Yet our Heavenly Father knows our needs, and so we must cultivate an interior disposition of trust in His providence. While we are called to act responsibly, providing diligently for ourselves and our families, we must ultimately recognize that it is God who sustains us when we cooperate with His will. We must do so without fear.Jesus does not condemn responsible stewardship of material goods; rather, He warns against worldly anxiety. As a fundamental disposition, we must always “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” When we do so, “all these things will be given you besides.” In other words, if our greatest love is to build God's Kingdom in our hearts, our families, and our society, we can trust that He will provide for our needs, freeing us to focus entirely on His divine work.Jesus concludes today's Gospel with consoling words: “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” This is not a license for imprudence or irresponsibility, as if we are called to live a carefree life without foresight. Rather, it is an invitation to trust in divine providence, living in confidence that when our primary concern is God and His will each day, He will provide for our needs in due measure.Reflect today on whether you truly “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The best way to discern this is to prayerfully examine the deepest desires of your heart. When your desire is for God's Kingdom, you will experience peace and interior order. When your heart clings to worldly concerns, you will be anxious and burdened by many things. Strive to order your desires properly, and God will lavish upon you all that is good and necessary for a joyful participation in the glorious and eternal City of God.Most glorious King, You came to establish Your Kingdom in our hearts, our families, and our world. Too often, I fail to recognize its glory and instead labor to build an earthly city of passing pleasure, wealth, and comfort. Draw me ever closer to You, Lord, and open my eyes of faith, that I may seek only Your will and become a true instrument of the Kingdom You desire to establish. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount, by August MüllerSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 198 Fernando Meirelles - Director In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with director Fernando Meirelles (THE TWO POPES, BLINDNESS, CITY OF GOD). Despite growing up with a filmmaking-loving father, it wasn't until Fernando graduated from architecture school, smuggled film equipment into Brazil, produced television and commercials through a video production company, and met cinematographer César Charlone (Season 2, Episode 174) that he finally directed his first feature. During our discussion of CITY OF GOD, we learn how he, the crew, and a cast of non-professional (and young) actors prepared for the shoot, and Fernando reveals how they strategized to capture the necessary footage while filming in a favela. We later learn how Fernando incorporates improvisation while working with actors during production, and, while reflecting on working with actors who like to plan far in advance, he shares a story from his time working with actor Anthony Hopkins on THE TWO POPES. Fernando later reveals why he planned to quit filmmaking after THE CONSTANT GARDNER and why BLINDNESS brought him back, and he shares what his biggest regret is. - Recommended Viewing: CITY OF GOD

In Ezra chapter 6, we see the conclusion of this long journey of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. This leads to a time of dedication, being set apart as God's people, and worshipping Him in joyful celebration. Now, because of the salvation we have through Jesus, God's Presence resides with and in us. We are His Temple. May we be dedicated to Him - cleansed, set apart, and full of joy in His Presence!

Heavenly Father, as we meet now in your presence, we ask that you would open our ears to hear your voice, to open our hearts to love you more and more, to open our souls to receive your word in all of its fullness, that your Son Jesus, who is the word made flesh, that he would be glorified and he would be honored in our lives. For it is in his name that we do pray. Amen. Amen. Beginning

In Ezra chapter 5, after a 16 year stoppage, God's people obey His call to get back to the construction of the Temple. They face immediate opposition to this work, but due to God's faithful presence and His word of assurance through Haggai the prophet, the people find the courage to continue the work. By God's grace and through a surprising and often painful process, the obstacles we face become a compassionate gift that exposes our fears, sins, and idols. Our God will redeem and use these difficulties to help us realign in faithful obedience, so we learn to entrust the things we cannot see or control into the hands of the One who is always Faithful.

Episode Description Cannes 2026 just wrapped, and Zef is joined by producer Cole Howard to break down the films, winners, distributors, and festival buzz coming out of the world's most prestigious film festival. They discuss this year's Palme d'Or winner FJORD, Christian Mungiu's new family drama starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, along with some of the biggest films on their watchlists, including James Gray's PAPER TIGER, Na Hong-jin's HOPE, Ryusuke Hamaguchi's ALL OF A SUDDEN, Nicolas Winding Refn's HER PRIVATE HELL, and A24's buzzy CLUB KID. Zef also shares stories from attending Cannes in 2014 and 2019, including seeing WINTER SLEEP before it won the Palme d'Or and attending the Cannes premiere of THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL. The conversation also touches on NEON's incredible run as a distributor, Cannes standing ovations, Korean cinema, long movies that earn their running time, recent Palme d'Or winners, director commentaries as film school, and why Cannes still matters as the ultimate launchpad for world cinema. Films discussed include: FJORD, PAPER TIGER, HOPE, ALL OF A SUDDEN, HER PRIVATE HELL, CLUB KID, WINTER SLEEP, THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, TITANE, ANORA, PARASITE, ANATOMY OF A FALL, TRIANGLE OF SADNESS, SHOPLIFTERS, MY COUSIN VINNY, TWO LOVERS, WE OWN THE NIGHT, AD ASTRA, THE WAILING, MEMORIES OF MURDER, CITY OF GOD, and more.   Hosted by Zef Cota & Cole Howard

Every time Leslie Byron Pitt is on the podcast, we go deep, & this episode is no exception. A film blogger and hobbyist photographer, Leslie is also a fellow podcaster, co-hosting the shows Fatal Attractions and Hustlers of Culture. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the way that photography and the role of the photographer are used in a variety of films, and zero in on REAR WINDOW, ONE HOUR PHOTO, and CITY OF GOD in particular.Originally posted on Patreon (5/31/26) here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/159733813Donate to the Pod via Ko-fi & PayPalShop Watch With Jen logo Merchandise in Logo Designer Kate Gabrielle's Threadless ShopTheme Music: Solo Acoustic Guitar by Jason Shaw, Free Music Archive

Daniel 7:1-14

This week, Shawn Stutz teaches on Ezra 5: 1-5 and explored how the Israelites stopped rebuilding the temple for 16 years because comfort, distraction, fear, and spiritual disengagement slowly replaced obedience to God. Through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, God called His people to return to Him, reminding them that obedience is not about striving harder but about living a “with God” life empowered by His Spirit. True obedience flows from a relationship with God, affects the people around us, and becomes possible “not by might nor by power, but by God's Spirit.”

In this reflection on Ecclesiastes 8:1–9, the Teacher wrestles with the complicated relationship between wisdom, authority, and faithful living. While Scripture calls believers to respect and pray for governing authorities, the Bible also shows prophets confronting unjust leaders, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ rather than any earthly power. Drawing from examples like Nathan confronting David and Augustine's reflections in The City of God, the devotion explores the tension of living as citizens of both the “city of man” and the “City of God.” Christians are called to work for the good and flourishing of their communities, but politics, patriotism, or civic identity can never bear the full weight of the soul. Only Jesus can serve as the true foundation of meaning and identity, and faithful civic engagement should flow from that deeper allegiance to Christ.Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today's passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%208%3A%201-9&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou can watch this reflection in video form and subscribe to my Substack here - https://www.revandy.org 

Pastor Patrick Harrison Revelation 21:4-27 The Beautiful and Brilliant City of God

Psalm 87: "The Glories of the City of God!" The Word of the Day with Rene' Holaday for Thurs 5-14-26

This week, Krystal walked through Ezra 4 and the opposition the Israelites faced as they rebuilt the temple, showing that the resistance was not simply political but spiritual. Zerubbabel refused to let the surrounding pagan nations join in the building because God's people were being called back to a life of holiness, devotion, and being set apart unto the Lord alone. She emphasized that God was not interested in outward success mixed with compromise, but in a purified people whose worship and lives belonged fully to Him. Just as Israel struggled under pressure from the surrounding culture, the church today faces the temptation to blend in with the world rather than remain distinct and shaped by Christ. Krystal challenged believers to examine where compromise, fear, influence, or divided loyalty may be shaping their lives more than devotion to God. Even though choosing holiness creates opposition and contested ground, God calls His people to trust Him as their protection and presence, just as He promised to be a wall of fire around Jerusalem. The message ended with an encouragement to live boldly set apart, displaying the love and glory of God in a world that desperately needs a true picture of Jesus instead of a reflection of itself.

Join the Chaldean Sisters, Daughters of Mary Immaculate for a daily journey through the Month of Mary. Each day, the Chaldean Sisters will share a short prayer and reflection drawn from the Chaldean liturgy and the wisdom of the Church Fathers. These meditations, thoughtfully compiled by Sr. Martina, invite you to grow closer to Jesus through His Blessed Mother. This series begins on May 1 and continues throughout the month, with daily reflections available in both English and Arabic.

This passage reminds us that God is not calling His people to admire the work, but to join it. As the foundation of the temple was laid, the people worshiped in the middle of uncertainty. While some grieved the loss of former glory, God was inviting them to release the past and step into the new thing He was building. In the same way, we are called to follow Jesus, be shaped by Him, and actively participate in His mission— trusting that what He is building now will carry a greater glory.

This sermon centered on what it means to put first things first as God's people, using Ezra 3 to show that before anything else was rebuilt, the people gathered to build the altar. Even amid fear and uncertainty, and before the temple's foundation was laid, they chose to prioritize worship, sacrifice, and the realignment of their hearts with God. The altar was not merely a physical structure but a picture of trust and dependence, and a reminder that what we prioritize is ultimately what we worship. Throughout Scripture, the altar points to both God's provision and the need for atonement, ultimately leading to Jesus as the final and perfect sacrifice. That same idea carries over into the Feast of Booths, which reminded the people that God Himself is their true dwelling place, the one who provides for, protects, and sustains them. Together, these themes show that before anything is built in our lives, we are called to come back to God first, trusting Him in both fear and faith.

This week, Shawn Stutz walked through Ezra 2 to show what spiritual restoration really looks like. He emphasized that God's restoration is personal, often difficult, but always purposeful. The return from exile was not just about a nation, but about real people, families, and generations being restored, making the story feel closely connected to everyday life. He highlighted that although people were free to return home, many chose to stay because it was more comfortable, revealing the tension between comfort and obedience. The message challenges listeners to consider whether they may be choosing what feels safe rather than stepping into what God is calling them to do. It ultimately points to the larger story of redemption in Jesus, who brings true freedom and restores people to God.

Do you ever feel like trying to "follow Christ" is similar to swimming upstream against the current of culture? I know I do. If I'm honest, I often focus more on navigating my kid's sports schedules, paying bills, and finishing work projects than on trying to "live on mission" within my daily rhythms. (And I'm in vocational ministry.) Well, the passage we are going to walk through this week has the power to "recalibrate" our perspectives and "rekindle" our affections for the life Jesus has invited us into.

The opening message of the City of God series introduces the story of Ezra and Nehemiah as God's work of restoring a people, a temple, and a city through His sovereign plan. It emphasizes that Israel's exile was the result of rejecting God's compassionate warnings, yet their return reveals His mercy, faithfulness, and initiative in redemption. God stirs both pagan leaders like Cyrus and His own people to act, showing that He alone is the source of direction, provision, and restoration. This message also calls believers to be a set-apart people—fully devoted to His kingdom.

Hell, the logic of Catholicism, the Ethiopian Bible and more on Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/city-of-god

3/8/26

Why do so many Christians start strong—only to slowly settle into comfort, distraction, and spiritual compromise? In today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that believers are citizens of the City of God, living temporarily in the City of Man with a mission: to urge the lost to turn from sin and receive eternal life in Jesus Christ. Yet many who once lived with heaven in view end up falling in love with the very world they were sent to reach. Dr. Youssef unpacks five reasons this spiritual drift happens—and how to guard your heart: A false view of heaven that makes eternity seem dull instead of glorious, Worldly pressures (pain, loss, responsibilities) that steal your focus, Living by sight, where the visible crowds out what's eternal, Muddled teaching that confuses self-sacrifice with self-satisfaction, False doctrine that blurs the Truth about salvation, heaven, and hell—draining urgency from the Christian race. This episode will help you regain eternal perspective, recognize subtle distractions, and live with a clear-eyed passion for Christ—serving faithfully now while remembering the better City that is to come. Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:14 Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon series Unholy Alliance of the Antichrist (Watch Now | Listen Now) The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Why does life feel heavier as a society becomes more “advanced”? The Bible answers with startling clarity. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef opens Genesis 11:1–9 and the Tower of Babel—where humanity tried to build a future without God, chasing self-glory instead of surrender. That ancient defiance isn't just history; it mirrors what we see across the modern West: a culture bowing to materialism, moral relativism, and political correctness—then reaping confusion, anxiety, and loneliness. But God didn't leave humanity without a light. Dr. Youssef points to Abraham, a man living in the “City of Man” while longing for the City of God—“a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Abraham's faith didn't ignore darkness; it overcame it. And God's promise to Abraham didn't end with him—through his line came Jesus Christ, the Savior who purchased our eternal home by His blood (Genesis 12:3). If you're weary from the headlines or discouraged by cultural decline, this devotional will help you lift your eyes and live with steady hope—setting your mind where Christ is and where history is headed. Scripture Focus: Genesis 11:1–9Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon series Unholy Alliance of the Antichrist (Watch Now | Listen Now) The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Psalm 87

Genesis 11:1-9

Matthew 11:20-24: 20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Securing the City of God _ Nehemiah8_1-8 by Cypress Bible Church

This week we landed in Genesis 13–14 as Abram and Lot return from Egypt and settle in the land. When given the choice, Lot chose what looked best to his eyes—the fertile Jordan Valley—while Abram trusted to go to the place God called him to, depending fully on the Lord to provide. There, Abram lives with deep conviction, confident that God's promises are secure and that his future rests not in human control but in God's sovereign hand. Listen to yesterday's sermon as we're reminded to live like Abram—trusting that our power, provision, and future don't belong to us, but to the Lord. God is our provider.

In this episode Fr. John and Mary break open the richness found inside just one line in the prayer Jesus taught us, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [mission@actsxxix.org](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this two-part series, we will examine especially the philosophical arguments which are essential to St. Augustine's theological and political vision for Rome, and we'll also consider the effects this has had on Western civilization.

Synopsis: Van Til said that culture is religion externalized. The religion of the city of man is contrasted with the city of God by their cultural endeavors. While the city of man sings songs defiantly taunting God and His creation, the city of God proclaims the name of the Lord. Sermon Text: Genesis 4:17-26

In this two-part series, we will examine especially the philosophical arguments which are essential to St. Augustine's theological and political vision for Rome, and we'll also consider the effects this has had on Western civilization.

Those who rule may advance against you but God will demonstrate His love for you as your protector. He Himself is the fortress, the impenetrable wall of safety behind which you rest. Know that He will not let you down. Worship Him and trust Him to keep you safe – regardless of what you face. Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Adam Maddock, Elizabeth Ames-McCrimmon and Phil Reaser

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 174 - César Charlone - Cinematographer In this episode of the Team Deakins Podcast, we speak with cinematographer César Charlone (PARTIDO, BLINDNESS, CITY OF GOD). Born in Uruguay, César found filmmaking after interrupting his veterinarian studies to hitchhike across Brazil. Throughout our conversation, we discuss César's general approach to cinematography, the degree of work he does in post, the amount of prep he performs before every film, and his long-time professional partnership with director Fernando Meirelles. César also reveals how he first met Fernando and describes how they worked together to create the look of CITY OF GOD and shoot the complex film with young non-actors. We later discuss how much César adjusts the image after capturing it on set, and we reflect on using any technology available to make the best film possible. In addition to his work as a cinematographer, César also co-directed THE POPE'S TOILET, and we discuss how he got involved with the project and the reality that inspired the film's story. César has also directed a film about Uruguay's José Artigas and worked on a documentary following Brazil's current Minister of Finance Fernando Haddad, and we discuss his commitment to documenting the realities of living in South America. - This episode is sponsored by Aputure

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIt seems a lot has changed since Vatican II (1962-65)—so much so that many prospective and actual converts to the Catholic Faith are confused and concerned. Has the Church contradicted Herself? Has She rejected Her own tradition? Has She taught error? Has She trashed Her own liturgy? How are we to make sense of the changes that have taken place since the 1960's?This episode is the first of a series of conversations that seek to honestly address these pressing questions. Our two guests are Dr. Peter Kwasniewski and Dr. Larry Chapp—two Christian gentlemen who are highly educated, orthodox, and lived just prior to and after the fallout of Vatican II. They agree and disagree on a great deal, but they are both loyal sons of the Church, and grounded in the Great Tradition of Christendom. Look for Part 2 in early 2026.You can read more about Dr. Kwasniewski (who is a member of Eternal Christendom's Board) here: https://www.peterkwasniewski.com/about-meYou can read more about Dr. Chapp here: https://gaudiumetspes22.com/aboutVISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONAs a non-profit, you can support our mission with a tax-deductible gift. Help us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free: https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out our “Becoming Catholic” resources, where you'll find 1 million+ words of free content (bigger than the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic: https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/SUBSTACKSubscribe to our Substack to get regular updates on our content, and other premium content: https://eternalchristendom.substack.com/EXCLUSIVE BOOKSTORE DISCOUNTShttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/This podcast can also be heard on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

Augustine's Response to the Sack of Rome and Theological Battles. Professor Katherine Conybeare discusses Augustine, the African, and his response to the 410 AD sacking of Rome, which motivated him to write The City of God. The work defends Christianity by arguing Rome was always vulnerable. The source also covers the "rigged" Council of Carthage against the Donatists, Augustine's role in developing the just war theory, and his debate against Pelagianism, which led to the formulation of original sin, transmitted through sexual intercourse.

  Augustine's Response to the Sack of Rome and Theological Battles. Professor Katherine Conybeare discusses Augustine, the African, and his response to the 410 AD sacking of Rome, which motivated him to write The City of God. The work defends Christianity by arguing Rome was always vulnerable. The source also covers the "rigged" Council of Carthage against the Donatists, Augustine's role in developing the just war theory, and his debate against Pelagianism, which led to the formulation of original sin, transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Augustine's Response to the Sack of Rome and Theological Battles. Professor Katherine Conybeare discusses Augustine, the African, and his response to the 410 AD sacking of Rome, which motivated him to write The City of God. The work defends Christianity by arguing Rome was always vulnerable. The source also covers the "rigged" Council of Carthage against the Donatists, Augustine's role in developing the just war theory, and his debate against Pelagianism, which led to the formulation of original sin, transmitted through sexual intercourse. 1911 CARTHAGE

Augustine's Response to the Sack of Rome and Theological Battles. Professor Katherine Conybeare discusses Augustine, the African, and his response to the 410 AD sacking of Rome, which motivated him to write The City of God. The work defends Christianity by arguing Rome was always vulnerable. The source also covers the "rigged" Council of Carthage against the Donatists, Augustine's role in developing the just war theory, and his debate against Pelagianism, which led to the formulation of original sin, transmitted through sexual intercourse.