St. Augustine

Augustine joins Manichaean sect - attracted by their claim to pure reason and explanation of evil, remains 'hearer' for nine years

Augustine meets Faustus of Mileve - leading Manichaean bishop disappoints with inability to answer philosophical questions

Augustine abandons Manichaeism - moves to Rome then Milan, influenced by skeptical philosophy before Christian conversion

Death of St. Monica at Ostia - dies after seeing Augustine's conversion, her prayers answered after years of weeping

Augustine begins anti-Manichaean writings - produces multiple works refuting dualism, defends goodness of creation