As with Volume 1, this is a fascinating glimpse into the early theology and practice of the church.
Sometimes, the Fathers hold utterly unexpected beliefs (Clement is often cited as one of the first to advocate Universal Reconciliation); sometimes, very familiar ones. Clement of Alexandria is far an ...more
I find most of the Fathers of the Church to be boring, some repugnant. There are a few exceptions, one of them being Clement of Alexandria. Unlike some of the others he had a liberal education, an appreciation of pre-Christian culture and philosophies. A goldmine of anecdote, his treatment of Pythag ...more
This volume covers the rest of the Apologetic Fathers, the Shepherd of Hermas, and Clement of Alexandria. I'll give a few thoughts on the volume overall (when I've finished), and on each author (as I finish them in turn). Overall thoughts: -The similarity of conversion experiences of these apologetic ...more
A good volume that consists of the early church leader's in defense of the Christian faith and the repudiation of pagan religious belief and Greek philosophy through the use of Scripture and Greek philosophy. It is interesting that the Christian writers used the word and Greek concept of "gnostic"/" ...more
Once again, this is a difficult book to review based on the content. I am not familiar in any way with the original languages of these various writings so I cannot testify to the translation quality. Also, the writing style of these various pieces is obviously outdated. However, I am pleased at the ...more
A bowlful of useful treasure, with the occasional piece of gravel. The Instructor was very fascinating, containing a kind of thinking and a manifest desire for holiness most useful to the church, but bearing the painful stamp of Greek fondness for the denigration of creation and pleasure, and the ov ...more
Yes, of course, it's long. And yes, it's worth it. Many churches today claim to be very much like the church of old. But how old are we talking about? Many churches claim to be teaching what the apostles taught, and the church fathers after them. But how would you know? And is that important? And wh ...more
Volume 2 of the early church fathers continues with more great historical writings! I most enjoyed the works of Clement of Alexandria in this set (Exhortation to the Heathen, the Instructor, Stromata). ...more