Way of the Fathers

The work of the early Church was largely done by Christians whose names we’ll never know. In fact, many of the most important documents from the first and second centuries have unknown or uncertain authorship. In this episode we examine some of those fascinating documents — the Didache, the Letter of Barnabas, and Second Clement — and we pay homage to our great (though nameless) ancestors in the faith. Links Kenneth Howell’s new translation of the Didache and Second Clement https://www.amazon.com/Clement-Didache-Early-Christian-Fathers/dp/0983082979/ Audiobook of the Didache https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/didache-teaching-twelve-apostles/ Alternate Translation of the Didache at CatholicCulture.org: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1631 Translation of the Letter of Barnabas at CatholicCulture.org https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1646 Audiobook of Second Clement https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/so-called-second-letter-st-clement/ Translation of Second Clement at CatholicCulture.org: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1990 More Works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina’s Website https://fathersofthechurch.com Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of http://www.ccwatershed.org.

St. Polycarp of Smyrna was a man with many connections. He knew the Apostle John, and St. Ignatius of Antioch, and St. Irenaeus of Lyon, and Pope Anicetus, and the arch-heretic Marcion. He also sought the company of many elders who had heard Jesus and witnessed the Lord’s miracles. Polycarp led a long and fascinating life, and he died a martyr’s death. In this episode we tell his story through his many relationships — his social network in the infant church, which like an infant child was rapidly growing in 150 A.D. Links Kenneth Howell’s new translation of ancient works by and about St. Polycarp https://www.amazon.com/Ignatius-Antioch-Polycarp-Christian-Fathers/dp/0980006651/ St. Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1626 The Church of Smyrna’s account of Polycarp’s martyrdom https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1627 Audio of the ancient works related to St. Polycarp https://www.catholicculture.org/search/search.cfm?searchgoals=6&andsearch=Polycarp%20audiobooks More Works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina’s Website https://fathersofthechurch.com Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of http://www.ccwatershed.org.

The life and letters of Ignatius of Antioch reveal a vibrant early Christian community facing numerous challenges. He passionately defended unity against heresies, emphasizing the significance of bishops and the Eucharist. Ignatius viewed his impending martyrdom as a sacred offering, drawing parallels with Christ’s sacrifice. His mystical insights about Jesus' true nature are not just theological debates; they fuel the fiery spirit of faith in the early Church. Discover the rich beliefs that shaped Christianity through this storied figure.

Dive into the tumultuous times of St. Clement of Rome, the first successor of Peter, as he faced a divided church in 67 A.D. Discover his significant letter to the Corinthians, which laid the groundwork for vital doctrines like apostolic succession and Roman primacy. Explore how Clement's connections to Peter and Paul helped heal the early Christian community through humility and unity. His teachings remain relevant as they offer wisdom for today's crises. Uncover the historical significance of his role in shaping church authority.

Explore the explosive growth of interest in the writings of early Church Fathers since the Reformation. Their works are not only valuable for apologetics but also richly entertaining, filled with wisdom and humor. Discover how they shed light on human dignity and morality, connecting modern believers to Christ. St. John Henry Newman shines as a brilliant example of someone who drew deeply from these texts. The revival of these writings invites readers to appreciate the foundations of Christianity and the significant stories that enrich our faith.

Discover the intriguing roles of early Christian fathers in shaping faith and doctrine. Explore the four defining qualities that marked these influential figures and their multicultural impact. Delve into how they established key elements of Catholic teaching, especially during pivotal councils. Notably, the contributions of early female figures in preserving Christian beliefs are highlighted, showcasing the rich tapestry of early Church history and its relevance today.