Augustine is perhaps one of the most powerful examples of the elasticity of the strings that religion, and in particular, the Catholic Church, has tied to members born under its wings. He made a concerted effort to steer his life into other philosophies and pursuit of debauchery for years—to no avail. Perhaps he was born too early in the history of the Church for his plan to work. He apparently was forced to decide he could wait no longer for chastity and continence. In the end, his ties to the Church (in his case, the priesthood) brought him back to its fold.