Charles H. Craigmile guides us through a tour with the Fathers of the Church beginning with the Early Church and Missionary Theology of St. Paul and ending with St. John of Damascus. St. Mary's Summer School of Faith 2014 presents an 8-part series on discover their relevance for today!
Why study this initial phase of Christianity?
-The Fathers confronted a culture like our own.
- An intense period of doctrinal energy and creativity up to 8th century which determined the pillars of our Catholic faith.
- Provides guidance for today´s controversies so we can evangelize more effectively.
Who are the Fathers of the Church?
- Privileged witnesses to the Apostles and the Apostolic preaching.
- Referred to as early/ancient sources for orthodoxy or the rule of faith.
- Holy life.
The march to Orthodoxy was not a straight line but full of twists and turns
- Like today.
1. Introduction and Background to the Early Church and the Missionary Theology of Saint Paul
2. Clement of Rome and the Didache
3. Three Great Martyrs: Ignatus of Antioch, Polycarp and Justin Martyr
4. Irinaeus and Tertullian
The book of Revelation was written during a time of heavy persecution of the early Church by the Romans authorities. The book was written as resistance literature. Written as an exhortation and admonition to Christians of the first century to stand firm in faith and not to compromise with paganism even in the face of hardship and martyrdom.