Books: Eternal culture wars

Even after 1,500 years, Augustine is still quite up-to-date | George Grant

One of the greatest men and most brilliant minds Africa ever produced was Augustine of Hippo. He was born in 354 at Tagaste-in present-day Algeria-of a pagan father and a Christian mother. He studied rhetoric at the great University in Carthage in order to become a lawyer, but later decided on a career in teaching. His study of philosophy resulted in a complete renunciation of Christianity. He lived a self-confessedly debauched life-including for 15 years keeping a mistress by whom he had a son.

In pursuit of opportunities to improve his academic standing, he took teaching posts-first in Rome and later in Milan. It was in this latter city that he fell under the sway of the great bishop and rhetorician Ambrose. After a long battle of the soul-described in his classic work Confessions-Augustine was converted under Ambrose's ministry and was baptized in 386.