Breakpoint Early Church Ethics
Dec 15, 2025
Discover how early Christians shaped moral standards still relevant today. Learn about Justin Martyr’s vivid depiction of worship that mirrors modern practices. Explore the powerful message in the Epistle to Diognetus, portraying Christians as temporary residents in their societies. Uncover the Didache's firm stance against abortion, highlighting early pro-life ethics. Finally, hear how simple acts of obedience allowed Christians to significantly influence the Roman Empire's transformation.
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Ancient Worship Mirrors Today
- Early Christian worship resembled many elements of modern Sunday services, including readings, instruction, prayer, and communion.
- John Stonestreet notes Justin Martyr's description to show continuity between ancient and contemporary practice.
Christians As Sojourners
- Early Christians understood themselves as residents in their countries but as sojourners spiritually.
- John Stonestreet cites the Epistle to Diognetus to highlight Christian distinctiveness in society.
Early Church Practiced Pro-Life Ethics
- The Didache explicitly forbade abortion and infanticide, marking early Christianity as pro-life.
- Stonestreet links this morality to social impact and the church's growth in the Roman world.
