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Saint Augustine was one of the foremost philosopher-theologians of early Christianity. He had a profound influence on the development of Western thought and culture and more than any other person, shaped the themes and defined the problems that have characterized the Western tradition of Christian theology. Among his many writings, the two most celebrated are his semi-autobiographical, Confessions, and City of God, a Christian vision of history.
Augustince was born on November 13, 354 at Thagaste in Algeria, a small town in the Toman province of Numidia. He received a classical education that both schooled him in Latin and enabled him to overcome his upbringing in the provinces of North Africa. He was trained at Carthage in public oratory, which was required for a legal or political career in the Roman empire. He became a teacher of rhetoric in Carthage, Rome and in Milan. At Milan, in 386, he underwent a religious conversion and retired from his public position. He was baptized by the Bishop of Milan and soon returned to North Africa. In 391, he was ordained to the priesthood in Hippo Regius and became a bishop some five years later.
During the first part of Augustine's life, he attempted to reconcile his Christian faith with his classical culture. His mother had reared him as a Christian although religion did not hold an important place in his early life. He lived a life of sensuality that he later bitterly regretted. After his baptism, he returned to Africa and devoted himself to religious duties. His writings developed the doctrines of free-will, grace and predestination . His authority has been very influential within the Roman Catholic Church. He is known to have warmed many hearts toward religion. He died on August 28, 430 the leading figure in the church of North Africa.