What is the Christian attitude towards the earthly city and the city of God?

God wants states that exercise their authority according to God’s will: that is, that do not know tyranny, but rather care for the material, moral, and religious needs of their citizens. St. Augustine’s views on the state appear in his book, The City of God where he talks about the earthly city or the state. We ought not condemn the state, except when its practices are corrupt, when it exploits the poor, and when its power is tyrannical.⁷⁷⁸

St. John Chrysostom says, “For I have therefore brought forward these that are of all most important, that when it shall have been seen to be superior to them, its victory over the rest may be unquestioned. Whereby then shall we show that it is more necessary than all? …

775 St. Ambrose, Expos. Evang. Lucam , 11: 29–31.

776 St. Ambrose, Expos. Evang. Lucam , 11: 29–31.

777 St. Augustine of Hippo, The City of God 19.26–27 (NPNF I/2:419).

778 See St. Augustine of Hippo, The City of God 4 (NPNF I/2:64ff).

For, as it is, the fear of the ruler restrains them [the citizens] and protects that which is wrought by them; but if you take this away, in vain is their labor.”⁷⁷⁹