Final answer:
The thinker in question seems to be misidentified in the options provided. The text provided speaks of Saint Augustine of Hippo, an influential theologian and philosopher who lived from 354-430 CE and is crucial in the development of Western theology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The North African thinker thought by many to be the father of Western (Latin speaking) theology who lived circa 160-220 is not John Calvin, Martin Luther, Irenaeus, or Thomas Aquinas. These figures are all significant in the history of Christian thought and theology, but none of them lived during that particular period. Instead, the description more accurately fits Tertullian, though he is not listed as an option in the given question. However, the text at hand describes Saint Augustine of Hippo, who lived from 354-430 CE and Augustine of Hippo is widely recognized as one of the most influential early Christian theologians who had a profound impact on Western philosophy and Christianity.
Augustine's most significant works include 'Confessions' and 'The City of God', where he explores theological and philosophical issues such as the nature of time and the role of the Church in society. Moreover, Augustine's ideas were foundational for the development of Western theology and helped shape medieval European philosophy, and his influence persists in philosophical and religious discourse today.