St. Augustine of Hippo Letter To Marcellinus Notes

Chapter 2

Criticism of Christian Doctrine: Critics argue that Christian teachings, such as "Recompense to no man evil for evil" (Romans 12:17) and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39-41), are inconsistent with civic duties and rights.
Civic Duty vs. Christian Precepts: The core argument is that these Christian precepts hinder citizens from defending themselves or retaliating against enemies, which is deemed necessary for the state's survival.
Augustine's Counter-Argument Using Roman History: Augustine responds by referencing Roman history, where leaders were praised for pardoning offenders. Cicero lauded Caesar for forgetting wrongs done to him.
Praise vs. Flattery: Augustine points out that Cicero either genuinely praised Caesar, or flattered him, implying that leaders should embody forgiveness, indicating such behavior is worthy of praise.
Virtue of Forgiveness: The act of not rendering evil for evil, or choosing to pardon rather than punish, was considered a virtue that contributed to the Republic's success.
Religion and the Republic: Augustine argues that if Christianity were genuinely followed, it would strengthen the commonwealth more than the founders of Rome (Romulus, Numa, Brutus).
Definition of Republic: A republic is defined as a commonwealth where interests are common to all, essentially the interests of the State.
State as Concord: A State is a multitude of men bound together by concord. Augustine cites a source stating, "What was a scattered and unsettled multitude had by concord become in a short time a State."
Lack of Concord in Roman Religion: Augustine notes that the Roman gods were often at odds, necessitating careful worship practices to avoid offense. This internal discord contributed to the State's decline into civil wars.

Chapter 3

Christian Precepts of Concord: Augustine emphasizes the numerous Christian precepts promoting concord are divinely inspired, not merely human inventions.
Overcoming Evil with Good: The practice of turning the other cheek and giving one's cloak is aimed at overcoming evil with good, transforming the wicked from within rather than inflicting external punishment.
Value of Patience: Patient endurance of temporal losses is meant to demonstrate the superiority of faith and righteousness, potentially leading the wrongdoer to recognize the true value of what they scorned when committing the wrong act.
Goal of Correction and Reconciliation: These actions are intended to amend the wrongdoer's ways and promote concord. The actions should be done with this intention, irrespective of the outcome.
Literal vs. Figurative Interpretation: Augustine addresses the literal interpretation of turning the other cheek, noting that the left cheek is more likely to be struck. He suggests a figurative interpretation, where offering the 'inferior' possessions may mean undervaluing eternal things in comparison with temporal things.
Patience and Benevolence: These precepts relate to the inward disposition of the heart, fostering patience and benevolence, guiding outward actions to benefit others.
Jesus's Example: Jesus, when struck, questioned the act instead of turning the other cheek, yet He demonstrated ultimate patience by being slain for others and praying for their forgiveness (Luke 23:34).
Paul's Example: The Apostle Paul, when struck, rebuked the high priest, indicating that the hypocrisy of the Jewish priesthood was to be overthrown by Christ (Acts 23:3-5).
Discipline of the Heart: Patience and benevolence should be habitual, while actions should aim at the welfare of others; Christian Scriptures commend benevolent severity, similar to a father correcting his son.
Benevolent Wars: Even wars, when conducted by a commonwealth observing Christian precepts, should aim at establishing peace and justice, with the person restricted from doing wrong is actually being benefited.
Prosperity vs. Souls: Human affairs become perverse when material wealth is prioritized over spiritual well-being, leading to the ruin of souls. Indifference to ruin of souls, building of grand theatres, while undermining virtue.
God's Displeasure: If God permits these vices to thrive, it signifies profound displeasure; impunity for such actions is a severe judgment.
Merciful Affliction: Overthrowing vice and reducing lusts signifies mercy. Even wars, if possible, might be waged by the good to suppress vice.
Christian Soldiers: If Christianity condemned all wars, soldiers seeking salvation would be told to abandon their arms. Instead, they are told to "Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages" (Luke 3:14), implying military service is not inherently prohibited.
Impact of Christian Doctrine: If Christian principles were universally adopted (soldiers, subjects, families, rulers, etc.), the commonwealth would be improved. The claim is that the State's salvation depends on obedience to the Christian doctrine.
Accusation of Calamities under Christian Emperors: The claim that the Roman Empire suffered calamities under Christian emperors is refuted as a calumny.
Faults of Men, Not Religion: Similar or greater calamities occurred under non-Christian emperors. These are attributed to individual faults or external factors, not the religion itself.
Decline Before Christianity: The decline of the Roman Republic predates Christianity. An historian wrote: "O venal city, and doomed to perish speedily, if only it could find a purchaser!"
Moral Decay: Before Christ, the Roman army became wanton and drunken, valuing material objects over sacred ones.
Corruption and Violence: Avarice and violence spared neither men nor gods, leading to the decline of the commonwealth's honor and safety.
Satirical Commentary: A satirist wrote: "Once poor, and therefore chaste…" highlighting that Rome regrets the departure of its poverty more than its opulence because in poverty, its virtue was secured.
Resisting Evils through Christ: The cross of Christ provided unprecedented help in resisting the flood of human wickedness.
Heavenly Authority: At a time when the empire was sinking into depravity, heavenly authority advocated voluntary poverty, continence, benevolence, justice, and concord.
Eternal Salvation: This was not only for earthly benefit, but also for eternal salvation and citizenship in a divine republic secured by faith, hope, and charity.
Tolerance of Imperfection: While on pilgrimage, believers should tolerate those who perpetuate vices, if they cannot correct them.
Civil Virtues without True Religion: God demonstrated the impact of civil virtues without true religion in the Roman Empire, indicating that with the addition of true religion, men become citizens of another commonwealth.
Characteristics of the Divine Commonwealth: The divine commonwealth's king is Truth, its law is Love, and its duration is Eternity.