Through the Church Fathers

Today, we continue our journey through the early Church with Justin Martyr, Augustine, and Thomas Aquinas . In our reading from Dialogue with Trypho , Justin discusses whether the soul can see God, engaging in a rich philosophical debate that highlights both Christian and Platonic influences. From Confessions , Augustine reflects on his encounters with Ambrose, detailing his growing appreciation f...

Today, we continue our journey through the Church Fathers with three engaging readings. Augustine shares how his mother Monica, deeply devoted to God, willingly abandoned a long-held tradition at the guidance of Bishop Ambrose, showing her humility and obedience. In Dialogue with Trypho , Justin Martyr recounts his encounter with an old man who challenged his philosophical assumptions and led him...

Today's discussion explores a fascinating intersection of philosophy, theology, and divine attributes . In Augustine’s Confessions , we examine how the prayers of a persistent mother influenced one of the greatest Christian minds in history. Justin Martyr’s dialogue reveals the intellectual struggles of a seeker , highlighting the competing schools of Greek philosophy and how they shaped early Chr...

In today’s readings, we witness the deep spiritual anguish and transformation of Augustine as his mother, Monica , follows him to Milan , unwavering in her prayers for his conversion. Her faith, patience, and devotion to the words of Ambrose serve as a powerful reminder of the influence of a mother’s prayers . Meanwhile, Justin Martyr continues to recount his philosophical journey , revealing his...

Today's discussion explores a fascinating intersection of philosophy, theology, and divine attributes . In Augustine’s Confessions , we examine how the prayers of a persistent mother influenced one of the greatest Christian minds in history. Justin Martyr’s dialogue reveals the intellectual struggles of a seeker , highlighting the competing schools of Greek philosophy and how they shaped early Chr...

Today’s readings explore deep theological themes across three influential works. The Epistle to Diognetus continues with reflections on divine revelation and the importance of knowledge to the Christian life. Augustine’s Confessions recounts his encounters with Helpidius and his growing doubts about Manichaean distortions of Scripture, along with his experiences teaching rhetoric in Rome. Finally,...

Today, we continue with The Epistle to Diognetus and Augustine’s Confessions , exploring profound theological reflections on the nature of evil, divine love, and salvation. Diognetus discusses why Christ was sent when He was and the blessings that flow from faith, while Augustine wrestles with his former Manichaean views and the struggle to understand the Incarnation. Finally, Thomas Aquinas exami...

In today’s reading, we delve deeper into Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica , continuing our exploration of the Trinity and why it's so significant for our understanding of Christian doctrine. Michael Patton explains the decision to cover more articles per question, particularly when discussing such a crucial topic—one that has defined and distinguished the Christian faith through the centuries. Aq...

In today’s reading, we explore Thomas Aquinas’s theological insight on the procession of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son . Aquinas responds to the objection that the Holy Spirit proceeds perfectly from the Father alone, and addresses why it is not superfluous to say the Holy Spirit also proceeds from the Son. He carefully explains how the Holy Spirit’s procession reflects the eter...

In today’s reading, we dive into Thomas Aquinas's theological reflections on the nature of the Holy Spirit and whether He proceeds from the Son. Aquinas explores the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, addressing key theological concepts that help explain the unity and distinction of the divine persons in the Trinity. Aquinas draws on Scripture and the Nicene Creed to clarify th...

Today, we introduce The Epistle to Diognetus , a remarkable yet often overlooked early Christian text. Written by Mathetes, whose name simply means "disciple," this letter offers a compelling portrait of Christian identity in the ancient world. Unlike the pagans and Jews, Christians live "in the world but not of it," embodying a new way of life that transcends cultural and national boundaries. We...

Today, we explore The Epistle to Diognetus , where Mathetes presents a powerful defense of Christianity against pagan and Jewish misunderstandings, highlighting the Christian way of life as distinct from the world. Next, we turn to Augustine’s Confessions , where he recounts his departure for Rome and the deep sorrow of his mother, Monica, as she prays fervently for his conversion. Finally, we eng...

Today’s reading explores Ignatius of Antioch’s Epistle to Polycarp (Chapters 7-8), Augustine’s Confessions (Book 5, Chapters 6-8), and Aquinas’ Summa Theologica (Part 1, Question 34, Article 2) . Ignatius exhorts unity, discipline, and submission to God, while Augustine reflects on his disillusionment with the Manichaeans and how God used Faustus’ failure to guide him toward truth. Aquinas discuss...

In today’s readings, we delve into the writings of The Epistle to Diognetus , Augustine of Hippo , and Thomas Aquinas . We explore the superstitions of the Jews as discussed in The Epistle to Diognetus , and reflect on Augustine’s spiritual journey during a time of sickness and deep prayer. Finally, we engage with Thomas Aquinas’s thoughts on whether the term “Holy Spirit” is a proper name for one...

In this episode, we explore Summa Theologica , Part 1, Question 34, Article 2, where Aquinas considers whether "Word" is taken essentially or personally in reference to God. He argues that "Word" properly signifies a divine person—the Son—since He proceeds from the Father as the perfect expression of divine knowledge. This discussion deepens our understanding of Trinitarian theology and the eterna...

Today’s reading features The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp , where Ignatius exhorts Polycarp to stand firm in his leadership, care for the Church, and endure hardships with the strength of Christ. Ignatius warns against false teachers, encourages prayer and unity, and instructs on the duties of husbands, wives, and widows. His words highlight the importance of steadfast faith, humility, and love...

Today, we explore Summa Theologica , Question 33, Articles 3 and 4, where Thomas Aquinas discusses whether "Father" is properly a name of a divine person and whether it is first applied personally or essentially in God. Aquinas argues that "Father" is a personal name in the Trinity, distinguishing the First Person by relation to the Son. He further explains that the term "Father" is first understo...

Today’s readings from Through the Church Fathers in a Year explore Augustine’s reflections in Confessions, Book V, Chapters I–II , where he recounts his journey away from Manichaeism, his time in Rome and Milan, and his first encounters with Ambrose. Augustine wrestles with God’s omnipresence, realizing that fleeing from Him is an illusion. We also engage with Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 33...

In this episode, we read from Ignatius of Antioch’s Epistle to the Philadelphians , where he teaches the superiority of the Gospel and warns against those who reject the unity of Christ’s revelation. In Augustine’s Confessions , we reflect on his struggle with pride and his attempts to understand divine truth through his own reasoning rather than submission to God. Lastly, in Thomas Aquinas’s Summ...

In today’s readings, we continue with Ignatius of Antioch’s Epistle to the Philadelphians , where he exhorts the church to unity under the bishop and warns against false teachings, especially those that seek to separate Christ from the Old Testament. We then move to Augustine’s Confessions , where he reflects on his intellectual pursuits, the liberal arts, and his early misunderstandings of God’s...

Today’s readings in Through the Church Fathers in a Year explore the struggle to understand God’s nature and the mystery of the Trinity. Augustine reflects on how his mind was clouded by physical images, preventing him from grasping the spiritual reality of God. He describes his past errors, his misguided attempts to explain good and evil, and the pride that kept him from true wisdom. Ignatius of...

Today’s readings in Through the Church Fathers in a Year explore the themes of divine beauty, the allure of human praise, and the mystery of the Trinity. Augustine reflects on how love for created beauty draws the soul toward the divine, yet human admiration is often misguided. In his Confessions , he recounts his early fascination with worldly wisdom and the praise of men, contrasting it with the...

Today's readings take us through the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, Augustine's Confessions, and Aquinas' Summa Theologica . We explore Ignatius’ exhortations to unity and steadfastness in faith, Augustine’s reflections on grief, love, and the search for true rest in God, and Aquinas’ theological insights on the nature of the Trinity. These texts offer profound wisdom on Christian doctrine, pers...

Today's readings take us through the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, Augustine's Confessions, and Aquinas' Summa Theologica . We explore Ignatius’ exhortations to unity and steadfastness in faith, Augustine’s reflections on grief, love, and the search for true rest in God, and Aquinas’ theological insights on the nature of the Trinity. These texts offer profound wisdom on Christian doctrine, pers...

Today's readings take us through the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, Augustine's Confessions, and Aquinas' Summa Theologica . We explore Ignatius’ exhortations to unity and steadfastness in faith, Augustine’s reflections on grief, love, and the search for true rest in God, and Aquinas’ theological insights on the nature of the Trinity. These texts offer profound wisdom on Christian doctrine, pers...