Laela Zwollo: “Some Considerations on Augustine’s Refutation of the Neo-Platonist Porphyry in book 10 of The City of God”

Augustine’s literary monument, The City of God,(writtenca.413-426)is a lengthy exposition on his doctrine of the two cities, the earthly and the heavenly city. It is also an anti-pagan treatise in which he scrutinizes pagan philosophies and religions. It includes an assessment of Platonist philosophy, intended to demonstrate which elements of Platonism can be shared by Christians and do not conflict with Catholic doctrine. The conceptions he explains are plentiful. However he also has numerous points of major critique for these philosophers. This is where Augustine’s treatment of Porphyry (ca. 234-305)comes into the picture.Here he criticizes this philosopher’s involvement with theurgy. Theurgy entails ritual practices in which benevolent demons are called upon to aid the seeker of truth in order to experience the divine. The church father vehemently attacks these practices, alongside his criticism of all ancient pagan religions in general.At first sight, it may seem clear what Augustine’s treatment of Porphyry is all about: refuting aspects of Platonism which do not bring one closer to truth or promote the entrance into future Heavenly City of God. Yet the tone of his treatment of Porphyry is resentful and angry; his refutation is lengthy beyond proportion. It stands in contrast to his otherwise sympathetic treatment of other Platonists. The passages in book 10 are actually ridden with problems and paradoxes.This communication will highlight a few of the many problems in Augustine’s refutation of Porphyry in The City of God.