I remember the first time I heard the expression, “No Creed but Christ.” I didn’t know how to respond to that because, at first glance, it sounds so simple, so pure. Without thinking about it too hard it sounds right. I mean, it’s Solus Christus - Christ alone - right? It’s Christ who is the … Continue reading The Importance of the Creeds
Early Church Fathers
Some Reflections on Saint Nicholas Day
Today is one of my favorite Feast Days in the Church calendar: Saint Nicholas Day. It’s a day when we look to the legacy of a man whose life should inspire us to reflect on the call to live as witnesses for Christ as we remember that faith isn’t simply about what we believe. It’s … Continue reading Some Reflections on Saint Nicholas Day
Norma Normans and Norma Normata
The other day a friend sent me a message. The question was a simple one, “I’m curious, whenever you read patristic or medieval quotes that seem to contradict Sola Fide, how do you handle it?” It was a great question – first, because it means he is diving deep into the writings of the church … Continue reading Norma Normans and Norma Normata
Some Thoughts on the Didache
In the earliest days of the Church, long before there were these beautiful sprawling cathedrals and thick theology books, before ecumenical councils and polished creeds there was this small, practical guide to Christian life known as the Didache. The word "Didache" simply means "teaching." It actually has a longer name taken directly from the first … Continue reading Some Thoughts on the Didache
Gregory of Nyssa’s Sermon on the Nativity
Gregory of Nyssa (335 - 395 AD) is known as one of the great Cappadocian Fathers and twice served as the Bishop of Nyssa, from 372 to 376 and 378 to 395. His theological works were influential on matters of the Trinity, and, as a staunch defender of orthodox Christianity, the Nicene Creed. He was … Continue reading Gregory of Nyssa’s Sermon on the Nativity
Leo the Great’s Sermon on the Nativity
Leo the Great (400 - 461 AD) served as the Bishop of Rome from 440 to 461 AD. Prior to the Fourth Ecumenical Council at Chalcedon, he issued what would become known as the Tome of Leo to Flavian I, the Archbishop of Constantinople, on the two natures of Christ, which would be accepted as … Continue reading Leo the Great’s Sermon on the Nativity
Gregory of Nazianzus’ Sermon on the Nativity
Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390 AD), sometimes referred to as Gregory the Theologian, was a fourth century Cappadocian Father of the Church, and Archbishop of Constantinople who had a significant impact on our understanding of the Trinity and the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father. Often described as being the Patristic Age's greatest rhetorical stylists, … Continue reading Gregory of Nazianzus’ Sermon on the Nativity
Gregory the Great’s Sermon on the Nativity
Gregory the Great (540-604 AD), the son of a Roman senator and one time Prefect of Rome, served as the Bishop of Rome from 590 to 604 AD, where he instigated what would become known as the Gregorian/Augustinian Mission (596 AD) to Briton led by Augustine of Canterbury, the first large-scale attempt to convert the … Continue reading Gregory the Great’s Sermon on the Nativity
Augustine of Hippo’s Sermon on the Nativity
Augustine of Hippo (354 - 430 AD) served as the Bishop of Hippo Regius in Northern Africa and, in the West, is largely considered the second greatest theologian (after the Apostle Paul) the Church has ever produced, with his influence and theology felt throughout most branches of Western Christianity, from the Roman Catholic Church, which … Continue reading Augustine of Hippo’s Sermon on the Nativity
John Chrysostom’s Sermon on the Nativity
Note: For the week leading up to Christmas, I have decided to share the thoughts on the Nativity of Christ from the Early Church Fathers in order to prepare us for the coming of our Lord and Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of world. John Chrysostom (347 - 407 AD) … Continue reading John Chrysostom’s Sermon on the Nativity