The Book, Cat, & Cat Book Lovers Almanac

of historical trivia regarding books, cats, and other animals. Actually this blog has evolved so that it is described better as a blog about cats in history and culture. And we take as a theme the advice of Aldous Huxley: If you want to be a writer, get some cats. Don't forget to see the archived articles linked at the bottom of the page.

November 13, 2012

November 13, 354 AD

We recall the birthday of St. Augustine as November 13, 354 AD. The author of The City of God is a major Christian theologian. What many do not know, is that his theological views saved the lives of many cats. As long as his views held sway, the excesses of torture we associate with witchcraft were not allowed by the church. His sensible ideas held sway til Aquinas, and in fact the witchcraft and associated torture of animals is actually a Renaissance phenomena. Though responsible scholars label it medieval sometimes, all you have to do is check the dates themselves.

What Augustine said, was that, how could witches have any real power, if God ruled the world. Those labeled as witches must in fact be confused people. Aquinas is a different story but that is another post.  St. Augustine died August 28, 430,

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