Journal: Global Journal of Classical Theology
Volume: GJCT 16:1 (Jun 2019)
Article: City Of God
Author: Roland Cap Ehlke

City Of God

Roland Cap Ehlke

Abstract: The poem consists of 30 four-line stanzas, reflecting the poetic scheme used by Michael Wigglesworth (1631–1705) in The Day of Doom, which had 224 eight-line stanzas (the longest poem of the Colonial Period). The title and theme echo the work of St. Augustine (354–430) and are drawn from numerous passages of Holy Scripture that relate to the city of God in contrast to the earthly city.

The first half of City of God—fifteen verses—focuses on the earthly city, showing its transitory nature and constant rebellion against God, as evidenced in moral decline, materialism, rank unbelief, or false belief. This half of the poem concludes in the city of the false prophet Muhammad, Yathrib, better known as Medina, in Arabia. The second half of the poem—also fifteen verses—transitions into the better way and focuses on the heavenly city, with God’s final judgment (from which there is no escape), the rule of Christ over all creation, salvation in Christ, and the glory of heaven. This half of the poem ends in Jerusalem, which is above, our home where God’s perfect love reigns eternally.

An audio of the poem, with visuals, is available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG9j58XJ-IE); it was recorded and edited by Jacob Petrowsky and Lianna Brice, students at Concordia University Wisconsin, where Dr Ehlke teaches.

Behold: The sun its course has run;
Dark covers coast to coast;
In starless nights, the city lights
Are dim and all but lost.

REBELLION AND DOWNFALL

As wrote the sage, the nations rage
Against God’s chosen One.
They cast their lot; they scheme and plot,
Yet now their time is done.
Earth’s parliaments and presidents
From on his throne God sees.
At close of day, they float away
Like chaff upon the breeze.
An icy cloud, a wintry shroud
From North to South descends.
The world awaits, anticipates,
Disaster that impends.

MORAL DECLINE

It’s not with guns, your unborn sons
And daughters die in wombs;
Abortion’s knives cut short their lives,
Dispatch to early tombs.
Delusions reign with each sex change;
Confusion is widespread.
Distinctions slurred, while culture blurred
The sacred marriage bed.
At home, at school, emotions rule,
And self-esteem is king.
Hurt, lie, abuse—do as you choose,
Your existential thing.

MATERIALISM

For booze and drugs, the greedy thugs
Make red the streets with blood,
And neighborhoods lose all their goods—
Crime rises like a flood.
Your idol gold is hard and cold;
You are no longer free.
The gods of wealth,...