were shallow and poorly reasoned. Eventually, Augustine abandoned Manichaeanism. Thankfully, over the next few years, Augustine came across two Christian leaders—Ambrose and Pontitianus—who intelligently discussed with him different issues concerning the faith. This profoundly influenced Augustine and helped him on his way toward conversion.1 What is the difference in these two stories? Ambrose and Pontitianus exhibited a more biblical appreciation of the role that reason plays in Christian life