Light Through the Past

Dr. Jenkins dives into the murky and fraught waters of the question of the relationship of Greek thought and the early Church, discussing the history of the question, why it's important, and gives some thoughts on how we should think about it. Shownotes at luxchristi.wordpress.com

This week Dr. Jenkins looks at the first notable teacher in Alexandria about whom we have any real information, Clement of Alexandria. There is much to learn here from someone who is generally overshadowed by his much greater pupil, Origen.

Delve into the fascinating history of Alexandria, a cornerstone of early Christian thought. Discover influential figures like St. Clement and St. Athanasius and how their teachings shaped the Orthodox Faith. Explore Alexandria's cultural richness and its role as a philosophical nexus, including the impact of Philo on ethics and morality. The discussion also touches on the challenges of teaching and engaging with students, balancing preparation with the unpredictability of classroom discourse.

After reviewing what has been covered as regards the Chruch's Apostolic ministry and its origin, Dr. Jenkins looks at one of the early challenges to the Church's sacramental ministry in the Phrygian schismatic group, the Montanists. Texts and notes are on my blog.

This week Dr. Jenkins examines the establishment of the Church's Apostolic succession as one tied to its Eucharistic ministry, a ministry rooted in the Old Testament, but given it by Divine appointment from Christ, and through His Apostles. Authors cited include Saints Hippolytus, Clement of Rome, and Ignatios of Antioch. Texts and notes are on my blog.

Picking up from Episode 13, and after a brief review, Dr. Jenkins looks specifically at what St. Irenaeus says in Book III of Against Heresies concerning the office of the Bishop, what this office entails, why it is important, and its link to the Apostles, and thus to Christ. The passage read from St. Irenaeus, plus other information for Episode 14 can be found on my blog.

This week we pick up again with Sts. Irenaeus and Hegesippus in the context of the emergence of the Episcopal office and its link to the Gift of the Apostolic ministry. Dr. Jenkins first discusses Apostolic succession, what it is, and what is its importance before turning to the history of the Episcopal office and its function in the first decades of the life of the Church. Books, links, and more information about matters discussed are all on my blog.

Today Dr. Jenkins replies to two questions sent his way, and both related to the discussion of St. Irenaeus. For more information on our questions, and books mentioned in this episode, you can jump to https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/2022/04/28/two-questions-along-the-way-to-st-irenaeus-and-bishops/.

In this episode, Prof. Jenkins leads us through St. Irenaeus on the Eucharist, and how our participation in the Holy Elements brings us the vivifying life of Christ. You can see the readings covered in this episode at https://luxchristi.wordpress.com/2022/04/05/st-irenaeus-third-readings/

Having examined St. Irenaeus' teaching on creation in the last episode, today we continue our investigation by looking at the great saint's doctrine of redemption. Dr. Jenkins explores how for St. Irenaeus the Creator is also the Redeemer who recapitulates in himself the whole of the divine drama of the Old Testament, from Paradise through His Virgin birth to His death of the Tree.