Severals “Firsts” in Christian Thought

In recently reading through Robert Louis Wilken’s The Spirit of Early Christian Thought, I noted some “firsts” that he points out.

First Christian writer to use literature as an instrument of peaceful labor within the church itself, not simply as a tool to combat heresies.

Clement (c. 150 – c. 215).

First life of a Christian saint.

Passion and Life of Cyprian, by Pontius (mid 200s).

First Christian poet.

Prudentius (348-c. 413).

First treatise on Christian ethics.

The Tutor, by Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-c. 215).

First treatise in the history of the church on a specific virtue.

On Patience, by Tertullian of Carthage (c. 160-c. 225).

First thinker in Western culture to defend freedom of religion on religious grounds.

Lactantius (c. 240-c. 320).

First treatise to deal in depth with the relation of Christianity to social and political life.

Augustine, The City of God (414-426).

First Christian to discuss Muhammad in his writings and to cite passages from the Qur’an.

John of Damascus (676-749).