Following the Fathers

In this episode, we continue our journey through Augustine's Confessions by exploring Book VIII, sections 1-4, and the remarkable conversion story of Victorinus. Once a celebrated rhetorician and defender of paganism, Victorinus's embrace of the Christian faith became a powerful testimony to the transforming grace of God. In this episode, we discuss why Augustine gives such prominence to V...

In this episode, we turn to Book VII of Augustine's Confessions-the moment where Augustine's mind begins to catch up to the truth his heart has been resisting. After years of wrestling with Manichaeism, materialist assumptions about God, and false images of evil, Augustine encounters the insights of the Platonists and undergoes a profound shift in how he understands reality itself. Book VI...

In this episode, we dive into Book VI of Augustine's Confessions, where the struggle between spiritual longing and worldly ambition comes into sharp focus. Joined by friends, we explore Augustine's complex relationships. We talk about his philosophical influences shaping his thoughts, his hesitation to fully commit to the Christian life, and his friend Alypius's struggle with the lure...

In this episode, we explore Books 4 and 5 of Augustine's Confessions , where grief, ambition, and the slow unraveling of false belief begin to prepare Augustine for a deeper encounter with truth. Join us as we reflect on disordered love, the pain of loss, and the quiet, persistent work of God in the background of Augustine's life.

In this episode, I sit down with Garrett Berk to explore a paper that he wrote on Augustine and the Pelagian controversy. Together, we delve into the historical backdrop of this pivotal conflict in the early church, examining how Augustine responded to the challenges posed by Pelagius and his followers. Our conversation traces the development of doctrine in the Western church, unpacking key theolo...

In this episode of Following the Fathers, we dive into Book III of Augustine's Confessions , where Augustine begins his studies in Carthage and finds himself pulled deeper into worldly desires and philosophical questions. This chapter captures his inner turmoil as he seeks truth but becomes entangled in lust, ambition, and the seductive pull of theater and rhetoric. He also encounters the Mani...

In this episode of Following the Fathers, we dive into Book II of the Confessions by St. Augustine. In this Book, Augustine reflects on the reckless passions of his youth. We explore his famous account of stealing pears-not out of need, but for the pure love of wrongdoing-and what this moment reveals about human nature, sin, and the restless heart. How does Augustine's reflections on these mat...

In this episode of Following the Fathers, we dive into Book I of the Confessions by St. Augustine. We explore Augustine's reflections on his early childhood, his understanding of God, and his deep longing for truth-even from a young age. How does Augustine's story help us think about sin, grace, and our own spiritual formation? Join us as we unpack the themes of memory, desire, and the res...

Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Gary Ferngren discusses the Christian view of history, providence, suffering, and the power of prayer. He emphasizes that God is in control of history and that suffering can be used by God to shape and transform us. Dr. Ferngren also highlights the importance of prayer and how it deepens our relationship with God. He encourages Christians to have hope in the futu...

Summary: In this episode of Following the Fathers, the hosts interview Dr. Gary Ferngren about a Christian view of history. They discuss the origins of history, the role of providence, and the Christian perspective on historical events. They also explore the views of Augustine and the differences between the Greek and Old Testament views of history. The conversation highlights the importance of un...

Summary: This conversation discusses the Didache, an ancient Christian manual on morals and church practice. It explores the origins of the Didache and its significance in early church theology and practice. The conversation focuses on the two ways of life and death, instructions on baptism, fasting, prayer, and the Eucharist. It emphasizes the practical and ethical aspects of the Didache, highlig...

In this episode Ben Petersen interviews Dr. Donald Fairbairn, an expert on early church history and the Robert E. Cooley Professor of Early Christianity at Gordon Conwell Seminary. They discuss the origins of his interest in early Christianity, the rise of monasticism, and the relationship between the institutional church and charismatic influencers. They also explore the relevance of monasticism...

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the life of St. Anthony by Athanasius. They explore the themes of humility, the importance of solitude, and overcoming the evil one. They emphasize the need for Christians to cultivate humility and guard against pride. They also discuss the practice of solitude and its benefits in deepening one's relationship with God. Finally, they examine the power...

This episode of Following the Fathers explores the life of St. Anthony as written by Athanasius. The conversation delves into topics such as spiritual warfare, the significance of the sign of the cross, and the importance of solitude and silence in the Christian life. The episode emphasizes the value of reflecting on the lives of Christians who have gone before us and the lessons we can learn from...

Welcome to Following the Fathers, your gateway into the captivating world of early church history. In our debut episode, we embark on a journey through the life of one of Christianity's most revered figures: Saint Antony. Join host Ben Petersen as we unravel the remarkable story of Antony's humble beginnings and his courageous leap into the ascetic lifestyle. Through the lens of Athanasius...