The Political Thought of Saint Augustine: The Problem of Building Harmony between the Ambition of Religious Authority and the Interests of Temporal Authority

Abstract

           In this study, we address the political thought of Saint Augustine and how he was able to avoid clashing with the temporal authority of The Roman Emperor, without reducing the interests of the Catholic Church. This wisdom approach adopted by Augustine indicates a realistic and insightful political view of the consequences of events. because he knows that any conflict between state and religious authority would result in favor of the official authority, which possessed all the tools of power and control, which are historical mechanisms that tip the scales of conflict in favor of whoever possessed the greatest amount of power. In addition, Augustine addressed many political ideas in his writings, such as the state, authorities, justice, civil society, and others, which demonstrated his strength in political analysis.