The city of god and Augustine’s political theory.

The City of God presents the most developed picture of Augustine’s political theory, where he takes on the question of political authority directly. Admittedly, his views are mixed: on the one hand he seems to indicate that the state is valuable because it can provide for stability and peace; on the other, he questions whether this peace is practicable let alone plausible considering the nature of man. Explain Augustine’s views about the value of the state. What is the purpose of the state, according to Augustine? How does this compare with our aims as Christians to live virtuously? Can the state resolve the problem of our free will or change human tendencies? Are there limits to what the state can accomplish?