Augustine was Bishop of Hippo
(b.354-d.430) and is commemorated annually on August 28th. One of the fathers
of Western philosophy and theology, Augustine attempted a synthesis of Biblical
and Neoplatonic thought. Some Christians believe that his writings have
enriched the Christian experience, while others suggest that he significantly
misinterpreted Christianity. In any case, he was a thoroughly committed
Christian bishop and scholar. [See the Cherbonnier subsite’s Hardness
of Heart, which includes a chapter “St. Augustine’s Achievements
and Mistakes.”]