Pointing the Way for Peace and Justice: The Paterfamilias as Peacebuilder in De ciuitate Dei, Book XIX

Abstract

Right from antique times, the family has always played a significant role in the life and wellbeing of communities and societies. This article critically examines the significance of the family and the concept of the paterfamilias in Augustine’s reflections on peace, justice, love, and conflict resolution. Drawing primarily from Book XIX of De ciuitate Dei and other writings of Augustine, this essay focuses on the concept of the paterfamilias, an oft-neglected and under-recognized idea in the thinking of the bishop of Hippo. This article will argue that the paterfamilias stands at the epicenter of building and propagating peace and justice both at the family level and other echelons of human life. To demonstrate how this happens, first, the idea of family as a locus for peace, and as a legal, theological and sociological concept is delimited at three basic levels. Second, while highlighting some ways through which peace can be propagated and attained, especially in our postmodern world, the centrality of love and collaboration as the bases for peacebuilding and conflict resolution will be emphasized.