"An observer of human contradiction, Augustine was always his own best subject of study," writes Garry Wills of this controversial Christian theologian (354-430). While many biographers have focused upon Augustine's obsession with sex, here the emphasis is elsewhere: "He was exploring his own mystery as a reflection of God's mystery." Wills calls Augustine's Confessions his "testimony."
As a teacher of rhetoric, Augustine gave up a court orator's position to be baptized by Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. He became bishop of Hippo in 395 and remained there until his death. A prolific writer, he is responsible for 93 books in which he explored time, memory, the inner dynamics of the self, and the capacity of God in the soul. He loved preaching and left behind over 400 sermons.
Wills devotes most of this brief biography to Augustine's role as a Christian apologist. He was embroiled in theological battles with Donatists who found Catholics in Africa lacking in theological purity. Augustine's legacy is his exposition of "the whole circle of knowledge" in Christian terms.