Church History

For many people, the Church in the centuries following the apostles is something of black box, an unknown. It comes as a great surprise, therefore, when they start reading history and learn what the Early Church believed about The Eucharist and Baptism.

It is also suitably informative to see the development of the Biblical Canon (Canon Dates) and the issues which were discussed in Church Councils.

There are many myths out there concerning Constantine and the Council of Nicaea often. In my Before Constantine post I outline the beliefs of the Church prior to AD 300 and the rise of Constantine. I have also written an article in which I respond to the belief in a Great Apostasy.

Signs & Symbols

The symbols used by the Early Church are rich in theology and I am trying to work through them. So far I have covered The CrossIHS and INRI.

The Church Fathers

One cannot read about the history of the Church without encountering the Early Church Fathers. I put together an Introduction which will explain who these men were and why they are important.

There are many great Resources for learning about the Fathers which I have compiled, many of which are completely free.

St. Ignatius of Antioch (c AD 35 – 108)

Introduction
Letter Of St Ignatius to the Romans: Document – Audio
Letter Of St Ignatius to the Magnesians: Document – Audio
Letter Of St Ignatius to the Trallians: Document – Audio
Letter Of St Ignatius to the Ephesians: Document – Audio
Letter Of St. Ignatius to the Philadelphians: Document – Audio
Letter Of St. Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans: Document – Audio
Letter Of St. Ignatius to Polycarp: Document – Audio

St. Polycarp of Smyrna (c AD 69 – 155)

Introduction
Martyrdom of St. Polycarp: DocumentAudio

St. Justin Martyr (c AD 100 – 165)

Introduction
First Apology (Extract): Document – Audio

St. Hippolytus of Rome (c AD 170 – 235)

Introduction
Apostolic Tradition (Extract): DocumentAudio

Liturgy of St. James (4th Century Version)

Introduction
Liturgy of St. James (Extract): Document – Audio