Part 8/19:
Born in 354 A.D. in present-day Algeria, Augustine became one of the most significant figures in Western Christian thought. His early life was tumultuous, involving various philosophical explorations until his conversion to Christianity in 386. Augustine's major works, Confessions and City of God, blended Christian doctrine with classical philosophy.
In his writings, Augustine addressed profound questions about the nature of God, free will, and the problem of evil, arguing for the essential role of divine grace in salvation. His integration of faith and reason shaped medieval philosophy and theology, establishing a framework that influenced countless thinkers through the ages.