Final answer:
Augustine became the bishop of Hippo in 395 AD during the period of the Donatist controversy. He played a significant role at the 411 Council of Carthage in resolving this issue, and his writings, especially 'The City of God', had a profound influence on Christian theology and philosophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Augustine's Appointment as Bishop
Augustine of Hippo, a pivotal figure in Christian theology, was appointed the bishop of Hippo (present-day Annaba, Algeria) in 395 AD. His rise to this position coincided with a time of religious contention in North Africa, where the Donatist controversy had been causing division for around a century. As bishop, he played a crucial role in the 411 Council of Carthage which resulted in the expulsion of the Donatists from the church. Augustine's theological work was marked by opposition to various heresies such as Pelagianism and Manichaeism. His writings, especially The City of God, not only shaped the religious discourse of his time but have left a lasting impact on Christian philosophy. Augustine’s concepts, particularly regarding the cities of heaven and earth, addressed the challenging questions of his time, such as the fall of the Roman Empire and the role of Christianity in a changing world.