Rome is Falling as Christianity is Growing

Definition: As the classical period transitioned into the medieval ages, there grew an increased need for the answer to a very important question: “If Christianity is the way to God, then why is Rome falling as the strength of Christianity is growing?” Augustine’s answer to this mystery is that Rome was already destined for a decline long before Christianity gained momentum. He reminds the reader about the disasters that Rome suffered through even before Christ came to Earth (Augustine and Dods 42). He debunks the idea that Rome was ever a republic, especially in its later years of existence (Augustine and Dods 63).

Importance: There was a concern amongst what was left of the Roman Empire that Christianity was the cause of Rome’s downfall. In his book, The City of God, Augustine attempts to make sense of this phenomenon in a way that Christianity would come out as a positive development. This is important as a supporter of the church because in the midst of Rome’s decline, people became skeptical of the Catholic Church. The odd coincidence that Rome was falling as Christianity was increasing membership and power scared many people. Augustine reconciles this misinterpretation by clarifying that Rome was never the center of virtue that it claimed to be, and therefore Rome was already set up for decline.