For several weeks earlier this Spring the adult catechism class was studying some of the early post-apostolic fathers. One of the documents we studied was the Epistle of “Mathetes” (the disciple) to a certain Diognetus. It’s an excellent example of the erudition, . . . Continue reading →
Patristics
"Two Kingdoms" circa 115-50?
A notable early Christian apologist didn’t get the transformationalist memo. Ep. to Diognetus (5.1-11): For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of humanity by country, language, or custom. 2 For nowhere do they live in cities of their own, nor do . . . Continue reading →
The Differences Between Canonical and Non-Canonical Writings
The way some write about some of the extra-canonical or post-canonical or deutero-canonical writings one would expect the differences between the canonical and non-canonical texts to be negligible. That’s not what I find.
If You're Reading the Fathers…
As I am (for CH601 Ancient Church, this fall) then I heartily recommend Michael Holmes’ (third) edition of The Apostolic Fathers. We don’t have it in the bookstore yet (it only occurred to me today to ask them—I’ll let you know when . . . Continue reading →
Augustine's Federal Theology
Sure it’s anachronism, but Creed or Chaos makes a good point.
Sola Fide in 1 Clement
I’m not a big fan of 1 Clement (I prefer the Ep to Diognetus) but Shane is right, this is an excellent passage.
Congratulations to WSC Grad Rich Bishop, PhD
70% of Westminster Seminary California students (numerically 95 of our 135 enrolled students) are in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program and preparing to enter the pastoral ministry. The remaining 30% are in one of three MA programs. One of those MA . . . Continue reading →
Light Summer Reading
I’m part way through Lane and Oreskes on the genius of American constitutionalism. It’s a breezy spin through the history of the constitutional crisis. The first part of their thesis is attractive to Augustinians. They argue that the founders realized that their . . . Continue reading →
Eamon Duffy on the Origins of the Papacy
Eamon Duffy is Professor of the History of Christianity, and Fellow and Director of Studies, Magdalene College, University of Cambridge. He is author of several significant works of church history including The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England 1400–1570 (New . . . Continue reading →
Bob Godfrey Lectures on the Ancient Church
W. Robert Godfrey has taught church history at the seminary level since 1974. As I like to point out, I was in Jr High (which was Middle School used to be called) when Bob started teaching. Antiquity, however, is useful in teaching . . . Continue reading →
How Christians Are And Aren’t Distinguished From The Rest Of Humanity
For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of humanity by country, language, or custom. 2 For nowhere do they live in cities of their own, nor do they speak some unusual dialect, nor do they practice an eccentric way of life…4For . . . Continue reading →
New In Print: Companion to Reformed Orthodoxy
Willem van Asselt, Irena Backus, John Witte Jr, Carl Trueman and others (including John Fesko and myself) are among those contributing to A Companion to Reformed Orthodoxy by Brill. If you’re interested in the academic study of the history of Reformed theology . . . Continue reading →
Irenaeus On The Abiding Validity Of The Decalogue
4. And therefore does the Scripture say, “These words the Lord spake to all the assembly of the children of Israel in the mount, and He added no more;” for, as I have already observed, He stood in need of nothing from . . . Continue reading →
1 Clement On Justification
CHAPTER 31: THE MEANS BY WHICH OBTAIN DIVINE BLESSING Let us cleave then to His blessing, and consider what are the means of possessing it. Let us think over the things which have taken place from the beginning. For what reason was . . . Continue reading →
Grace And Election In The Late 90s AD
Let us then draw near to Him with holiness of spirit, lifting up pure and undefiled hands unto Him, loving our gracious and merciful Father, who has made us partakers in the blessings of His elect. For thus it is written, “When . . . Continue reading →
Ignatius On The Atonement
Neither the ends of the earth nor the kingdoms of this age are of any use to me. It is better for me to die for Jesus Christ than to rule over the ends of the earth. Him I seek, who died . . . Continue reading →
The Didache On The Baptism Of Converts
Now concerning baptism, baptize as follows: after you have reviewed all these things, baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in running water. But if you have no running water, then baptize in . . . Continue reading →
The Synagogue As Pattern For Early Christian Worship
When comparing the worship of the early church with that of the synagogue, we labour under this disadvantage, that, if the primitive church had any liturgy, it has not been handed down to us; still, as far as we can ascertain anything . . . Continue reading →
CH601 Ancient Church
Course Description A study of the developing theology, ecclesiology, piety, and worship of the Christian church from the close of the apostolic age to 450 A.D. Special attention will be given to primary sources. Fall semester. 2 credits. Course Goals —Academic Goals: . . . Continue reading →
HT602 Patristics Seminar
Course Description Readings in and discussion of primary sources in the development of Patristic theology. Fall semester. 2 credits. —Academic Goals: To enable the student to read well, i.e., thoughtfully, carefully, and accurately primary texts in patristic theology and to intereact intelligently with . . . Continue reading →