Many consider Saint Augustine of Hippo to be a primary figure in the development of Orthodox Christian doctrine during the early Christian Church. Augustine was born in North Africa in 354 AD. His father was a pagan and his mother a Christian. Although his parents were not extremely well off, they had enough money to allow Augustine to pursue an education in the liberal arts. This education would eventually affect his view of Christianity, particularly regarding the use of Neo-Platonic ideas in Christian theology. Augustine converted to Orthodox Christianity late in his life. He struggled with the many earthly things that he had to renounce for a complete conversion of body, mind and soul. It is in Confessions that Augustine shows the world this struggle and eventual conversion to Orthodox Christianity. Although conversion was not easy, Christianity contained a variety of ideas attractive to Augustine that influenced his view of the world in which he lived. In turn, Augustine's late conversion allowed his non-Christian experiences and studies to have a significant effect on the way he viewed orthodox Christianity and the number of heretical sects of Christianity that continued to flourish during his life. His education also created a unique vision for Augustine regarding the use of pagan philosophies in Christian doctrine. Finally, all of St. Augustine's experiences and opinions ultimately had a profound influence on orthodox Christian doctrine and philosophy. Augustine was actually born a Christian and taught Christian doctrine by his mother Monica while he was still young. However, born a Christian and with little interest in pagan religions, Augustine was not particularly interested in orthodox Christianity either. He... middle of paper ... that it is God's mercy that will save him, nothing else will save him. Because of this belief, God's mercy becomes an important aspect of Orthodox Christian belief. Augustine found Christianity attractive on several levels, although the main appeal was the ability to use logic to understand religion. Augustine also understood that God's words took many forms, and he was not afraid to seek out pagan ideas that fit into Christianity. Augustine is often considered a major force in the doctrine of Orthodox Christianity. His learning and life experiences influenced his ideas about God, Christ and religion. In turn, it is these ideas that have a lasting impact on Orthodox Christianity. Catholics and Protestants believe that Augustine was correct in his views on orthodox Christian doctrine. His ideas are still used today to study Christianity.