Platonist and Christian Philosopher
[354-430]
Augustine is probably best known for his book The Confessions . In it, he details the horrible things he did as a child, culminated by his stealing pears from a pear tree and wasting them. (Note the allusion to Adam and Eve and the fall from Eden). For a time in his youth, Augustine delved in the Manichee teachings and the wanton life of a Hedonist. Only after learning more about Christianity did he begin to learn more about his life and become the truly introspective person that he is known to have been today.
Before converting to Christianity, Augustine was a famous professor in Milan and other places across Europe. In fact, his reputation was great before he converted to Christianity because he was a master in the art of rhetoric. He had the power to influence many, and this fact is quite evident in his readings.
Augustine also published The City of Gods a book where he tries to prove that Christianity was not responsible for the fall of Rome. Here, he makes a great argument for existence of Good and Evil in society. Moreover, in my opinion, he gives a very cogent arguement on how an omniscient and omnipotent God allows evil to exist in the world.
Other sources of information
The Window- Augustine
Augustine of Hippo
The Confessions of Augustine
St. Augustine of Hippo Web Page
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