This paper discusses religious conversion in the Greco-Roman world. Augustine argued that the pagan fables and theatrical performances corrupted the virtues of the early Romans, and in his view those gods did not teach good laws nor the right moral code. As Rome's morals declined, it increased its craving for world power and the enjoyment of obscene ceremonies. Augustine believed that the pagan gods were unclean and lying spirits. He compared a wealthy person with one of moderate means. The rich person suffers from excessive fear and worries because of feverish greed, while the modest person is content and has good relations, is self-restrained, morally chaste, and at peace.
