The Contributions of St. Augustine and Brigid of Kildare...

The Contributions of St. Augustine and Brigid of Kildare to Christianity St. Augustine and Bridgid of Kildare were two very influential people in the church during the fourth and fifth centuries. St. Augustine and Bridgid of Kildare were most famous for the monasteries that they founded. Both St. Augustine and Bridgid were devout Christians who contributed greatly to the growth of Christianity. Both of these people encouraged the spread of Christianity, the belief in a life of solitude, and inspired many to follow in their footsteps. I admire both St. Augustine and Bridgid of Kildare greatly. They began a new way of religious life by providing a peaceful place where anyone could come to rest and reflect no matter what their†¦show more content†¦Augustines father was a local Roman official and pagan, until he converted shortly before dying. Monica, Augustines mother, was a devout Christian and tried to raise her son as one also. Augustine was a natural born leader in school, but at the age of sixteen he was forced to leave because his father could no longer pay the tuition fees. Augustine turned to alcohol, gambling, and prostitutes. A year later Augustine was able to return to school and studied law. When his studies were completed at the age of eighteen he became a teacher. Augustine, despite his mothers wishes for him to be a Christian, became a Manichaean. Manichaeans believed that one god created good and another created evil, and that therefore no one was responsible for his or her sins. Monica fervently prayed for her sons conversion, but he was stubborn and refused to do so. A year later, while teaching in Milan, Augustine met Plato and Bishop Ambrose. Soon Manichaeism became increasingly dissatisfying for Augustine. He became fascinated with the teachings of Plato and was soon convinced that there was a single god. Augustine even began attending mass to hear Ambrose preach. It seemed as if Augustine was working to reform his life, but soon his lust took over and he reverted back to his previous ways. Augustine continued to teach, but his heart and soul felt empty. One day while sitting outside he heard a group of children chanting. Suddenly inspired by their