Difference between revisions of "Church Fathers" - New World Encyclopedia

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==Latin Fathers==
 
==Latin Fathers==
Those fathers who wrote in [[Latin]] are called the Latin (Church) Fathers. Famous Latin Fathers include the [[Montanism|Montanist]] [[Tertullian]], St. [[Cyprian of Carthage]], St. [[Gregory the Great]], St. [[Augustine of Hippo]], St. [[Ambrose of Milan]], and St. [[Jerome]].
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Those fathers who wrote in [[Latin]] are called the Latin (Church) Fathers. Famous Latin Fathers include [[Tertullian]], [[Cyprian of Carthage]], [[Gregory the Great]], [[Augustine of Hippo]], [[Ambrose of Milan]], and [[Jerome]].
  
 
===Tertullian===
 
===Tertullian===
Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus (''c'' 160 - ''c'' 225), who was converted to Christianity before 197, was a prolific writer of [[Christian apologetics|apologetic]], theological, controversial and ascetic works. <ref name ="Oxford:Tertullian">Cross, F. L., ed. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. New York: Oxford University Press. 2005, article ''Tertullian''</ref>  He was the son of a Roman centurion.
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Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus (''c'' 160 - ''c'' 225) was a prolific writer of [[Christian apologetics|apologetic]], theological, anit-heretical, and ascetic works. He is believed to have introduced the Latin term "trinitas" ([[Trinity]]) to the Christian vocabulary and also the formula "three Persons, one Substance"—''tres [[Persona]]e, [[Consubstantial|una Substantia]]''. Later in life, Tertullian joined the [[Montanism|Montanists]], a heretical sect, but his writings by and large are considered orthodox.
 
 
Tertullian denounced Christian doctrines he considered [[heretical]], but later in life adopted views that themselves came to be regarded as heretical. He wrote three books in Greek and was the first great writer of [[Latin]] Christianity, thus sometimes known as the "Father of the Latin Church".{{fact|date=March 2008}} He was a notable lawyer in Rome during the reign of Marcus Aurelius.{{fact|date=March 2008}} ([[Marcus Aurelius]] died in 180, when Tertullian may have been not even twenty years old.) He is said to have introduced the Latin term "trinitas" with regard to the Divine ([[Trinity]]) to the Christian vocabulary<ref>''A History of Christian Thought'', [[Paul Tillich]], Touchstone Books, 1972. ISBN 0-671-21426-8 (p. 43)</ref> (but [[Theophilus of Antioch]] (c. 115 - c. 183) already wrote of "the Trinity, of God, and His Word, and His wisdom"), <ref>[http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/theophilus-book2.html To Autolycus, Book 2, chapter XV]</ref> and also probably the formula "three Persons, one Substance" as the Latin "tres [[Persona]]e, [[Consubstantial|una Substantia]]" (itself from the [[Koine Greek]] "treis [[Hypostasis (religion)|Hypostases]], [[Ousios|Homoousios]]"), and also the terms "vetus testamentum" ([[Old Testament]]) and "novum testamentum" ([[New Testament]]).  
 
 
 
In his [[Apologeticus]], he was the first Latin author who qualified Christianity as the "vera religio," and systematically relegated the classical [[Roman Empire]] religion and other accepted cults to the position of mere "superstitions."
 
 
 
Later in life, Tertullian joined the [[Montanism|Montanists]], a heretical sect that appealed to his rigorism.<ref name ="Oxford:Tertullian"/>
 
  
 
===Cyprian===
 
===Cyprian===
Saint Cyprian (Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus) (died September 14, 258) was [[bishop]] of [[Carthage]] and an important early [[Christianity|Christian]] writer. He was probably born at the beginning of the [[3rd century]] in [[North Africa during the Classical Period|North Africa]], perhaps at Carthage, where he received an excellent classical ([[Paganism|pagan]]) education. After converting to Christianity, he became a bishop (249) and eventually died a [[martyr]] at Carthage.
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Saint Cyprian (died September 14, 258) was [[bishop]] of [[Carthage]] and an important early [[Christianity|Christian]] writer who eventually died a [[martyr]] at Carthage. He is particularly important in defining the Christian church as "Catholic," meaning "universal," as opposed to those who insisted on a more rigorous standard of holiness, especially for church leaders.
  
 
===Ambrose===
 
===Ambrose===
Saint Ambrose<ref>Known in [[Latin]] and [[Low Franconian]] as  ''Ambrosius'', in [[Italian language|Italian]] as ''Ambrogio'' and in [[Lombard language|Lombard]] as ''Ambroeus''.</ref> (c. 338 &ndash; 4 April 397), was a [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milan|bishop of Milan]] who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the fourth century. He is counted as one of the four original [[doctors of the Church]].
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Ambrose<ref>Known in [[Latin]] and [[Low Franconian]] as  ''Ambrosius'' (c. 338 &ndash; 4 April 397) was a Roman bishop of Milan]] who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the fourth century. He is counted as one of the four original [[doctors of the Church]] and was the teacher of Saint Augustine.
  
 
===Jerome===
 
===Jerome===
Saint Jerome (''c'' 347 – September 30, 420) is best known as the translator of the [[Bible]] from [[Greek language|Greek]] and [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] into [[Latin]]. He also was a [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]]. Jerome's edition of the Bible, the ''[[Vulgate]]'', is still an important text of the [[Catholicism|Roman Catholic Church]]. He is recognised by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] as a [[Doctor of the Church]].
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Jerome (''c'' 347 – September 30, 420) is best known as the translator of the [[Bible]] from [[Greek language|Greek]] and [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] into [[Latin]]. He was a also a noted [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]]. Jerome's edition of the Bible, the ''[[Vulgate]]'', is still an important text of the [[Catholicism|Roman Catholic Church]].
  
 
===Augustine===
 
===Augustine===
Saint Augustine (November 13, 354 &ndash; August 28, 430), Bishop of Hippo, was a philosopher and theologian. Augustine, a Latin Father and Doctor of the Church, is one of the most important figures in the development of [[Western Christianity]]. Augustine was radically influenced by Platonism.<ref>Cross, F. L., ed. ''The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church''. New York: Oxford University Press. 2005, article ''Platonism''</ref> He framed the concepts of [[original sin]] and [[just war]] as they are understood in the West. When Rome fell and the faith of many Christians was shaken, Augustine developed the concept of the Church as a spiritual [[City of God]], distinct from the material City of Man.<ref name="CC"/> Augustine's work defined the start of the [[medieval]] [[worldview]], an outlook that would later be firmly established by [[Pope Gregory I|Pope Gregory the Great]].<ref name="CC"/>
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Augustine (November 13, 354 &ndash; August 28, 430), the bishop of Hippo, was both a philosopher and theologian as well as an influential church leader in north Africa. He framed the concepts of [[original sin]] and related teachings on divine grace, free will, and the election of the saints, as well as the theory of the [[just war]]. His works remain among the most influential in Christian history.
 
 
Augustine was born in present day [[Algeria]] to a Christian mother, [[Monica of Hippo|Saint Monica]]. He was educated in [[North Africa]] and resisted his mother's pleas to become Christian. He lived as a pagan intellectual, took a concubine, and became a [[Manichaeism|Manichean]]. He later converted to Christianity, became a bishop, and opposed heresies, such as the belief that people can deserve salvation by being good ([[Pelagianism]]). His works&mdash;including ''[[Confessions (St. Augustine)|The Confessions]]'', which is often called the first Western [[autobiography]]&mdash;are still read around the world. In addition he believed in [[Papal supremacy]]. <ref>"Carthage was also near the countries over the sea, and distinguished by illustrious renown,so that it had a bishop of more than ordinary influence, who could afford to disregard a number of conspiring enemies because he saw himself joined by letters of communion to the Roman Church, in which the supremacy of an apostolic chair has always flourished" [http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1102043.htm Letter 43 Chapter 9]</ref>
 
  
 
===Gregory the Great===
 
===Gregory the Great===
Saint Gregory I the Great (c. 540 &ndash; March 12, 604) was [[pope]] from September 3, 590 until his death.
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Pope Gregory I the Great (c. 540 &ndash; March 12, 604) reigned as bishop of[[pope]] from September 3, 590 until his death. He was the first of the popes from a [[monastic]] background and is one of the four great [[Latin Fathers]] along with [[Ambrose]], [[Augustine of Hippo|Augustine]], and [[Jerome]]).
 
 
He is also known as '''Gregorius Dialogus''' ''(Gregory the Dialogist)'' in [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] because of the ''[[Dialogue|Dialogues]]'' he wrote. He was the first of the Popes from a [[monastic]] background. Gregory is a [[Doctor of the Church]] and one of the four great [[Latin Fathers]] of the Church (the others being [[Ambrose]], [[Augustine of Hippo|Augustine]], and [[Jerome]]). Of all popes, Gregory I had the most influence on the [[early medieval]] church.<ref>[http://historymedren.about.com/library/who/blwwgreg1.htm Pope St. Gregory I] at [[about.com]]</ref>
 
  
 
==Apologetic Fathers==
 
==Apologetic Fathers==

Revision as of 18:17, 28 May 2008

The Church Fathers or Fathers of the Church are the early and influential theologians and writers in the Christian Church, particularly those of the first five centuries of Christian history. The term is used of writers and teachers of the Church, not necessarily saints. It does not include the New Testament authors, though in the early Church some writing of Church Fathers were considered canonical. It also excludes writers condemned as heretical, although several of the Church Fathers, such as Tertullian and Origen, did occasionally expressed heterodox viewed. Also not included are the Christian apologists such as Justin Martyr and others, who are not churchmen per se, but philosophers who defended Christianity from intellectual criticism.

St. Athanasius, depicted with a book, an iconographic symbol of the importance of his writings.

Apostolic Fathers

Main article: Apostolic Fathers

The earliest Church Fathers, those of the first two generations after the Apostles of Christ, are usually called the Apostolic Fathers. Famous Apostolic Fathers include Clement of Rome (c 30 - c 100), Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp of Smyrna.

Clement of Rome

Main article: Clement of Rome

The epistle known as 1 Clement (c 96) is attributed to this early bishop of Rome. It was copied and widely read in the churches. It is considered the earliest Christian epistle outside the New Testament. Tradition identifies Clement as the fourth pope.

Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius of Antioch (c 35-110) was the third bishop or Antioch and a student of the Apostle John. En route to his martyrdom in Rome, Ignatius wrote a series of letters to various churches, and these have been preserved as an example of the theology of the earliest Christians. Important topics addressed in these letters include ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the central role of bishops in authorized orthodox teaching.

Polycarp

Main article: Polycarp

Polycarp (c 69 - ca. 156) was the bishop of Smyrna (now İzmir in Turkey) who had reportedly been the disciple of the Apostle John. In 155, the Smyrnans demanded Polycarp's execution as a Christian, and he died a martyr. He was also an important figure in the controversy over the date on which Christians celebrate Easter.

Didache

Main article: Didache

Purporting to be the work of more than one author, the Didache (Koine Greek, meaning "Teaching," is a brief early Christian treatise, traditionally ascribed to the Twelve Apostles. However, it is dated by most scholars to the early second century.[1] It contains instructions for Christian communities and contains passages considered to be the first written catechism, as well as section dealing with rituals such as baptism and eucharist and church organization.

Hermas

Main article: Shepherd of Hermas

The Shepherd of Hermas was a popular second century work considered scriptural by some of the Church fathers, such as Irenaeus and Tertullian. It was written at Rome by the presbyter Hermas, sometimes identified as a brother of Pope Pius I. The work comprises five visions, twelve mandates, and ten parables, calling the faithful to repent of the sins that have harmed it.

Other Apostolic Fathers

Several other writings are also included among the Apostolic Fathers: for example the anti-Jewish letter known as the Epistle of Barnabas, which was often appended to the New Testament; and fragments of the works of Papias. The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus and the discourse of Quadratus of Athens are usually counted among the apologists rather than the Church Fathers.

Greek Fathers

Those who wrote in Greek are called the Greek (Church) Fathers. Famous Greek Fathers include Irenaeus of Lyons (whose work has survived only in Latin translation), Clement of Alexandria, the Origen, Athanasius of Alexandria, John Chrysostom, and the Three Cappadocian Fathers.

Irenaeus of Lyons

Main article: Irenaeus

Irenaeus, (d. near the end of the third century) was bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul, which is now Lyons, France. A a disciple of Polycarp, his best-known book, Against Heresies (c 180), enumerated heresies and attacked them. Irenaeus wrote that the only way for Christians to retain unity was to humbly accept one doctrinal authority—episcopal councils and was the first writer to propose that all four gospels be accepted as canonical. His work is a major source for understanding the heterodox movements of the second century and the orthodox churches' attitude in combating them.

Clement of Alexandria

Main article: Clement of Alexandria

Clement of Alexandria (Titus Flavius Clemens) (c.150-211/216), was distinguished teacher in the city which became on of early Christianity's most important intellectual centers. He united Greek philosophical traditions with Christian doctrine and thus developed what later became known as Christian Platonism.

Origen

Main article: Origen

Origen (c 185 - c254) also taught in Alexandria, reviving the catechetical school where Clement had taught. He interpreted scripture allegorically and further developed the tradition of Christian Platonism. Origen taught a doctrine of Universal Salvation in which even demons would eventually be reunited with God. Although some of his views were declared anathema in the 6th century by the Fifth Ecumenical Council[2] Origen's thought exercised significant influence.

Athanasius of Alexandria

Athanasius (c 293-May 2, 373), also known as St. Athanasius the Great, was a theologian, the patriarch ("pope") of Alexandria leader of immense significance in the theological battles of the fourth century. He is best remembered for his role in the conflict with Arianism, although his writings cover a vast array of theological topics of great value to historians.

John Chrysostom

Main article: John Chrysostom

Saint John Chrysostom (c 347– c 407), archbishop of Constantinople, is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, his ascetic sensibilities, and his opposition to Judaism. He is particularly honored in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Cappadocian Fathers

The Cappadocians were three physical brothers who were instrumental in the promotion of early Christian theology and are highly respected in both Western and Eastern churches as saints: Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Peter of Sebaste. These scholars, along with their close friend, Gregory of Nazianzus, proved that Christians could hold their own in conversations with learned Greek-speaking intellectuals. They made major contributions to the definition of the Trinity culminating at the First Council of Constantinople in 381, where the final version of the Nicene Creed was formulated.

Latin Fathers

Those fathers who wrote in Latin are called the Latin (Church) Fathers. Famous Latin Fathers include Tertullian, Cyprian of Carthage, Gregory the Great, Augustine of Hippo, Ambrose of Milan, and Jerome.

Tertullian

Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus (c 160 - c 225) was a prolific writer of apologetic, theological, anit-heretical, and ascetic works. He is believed to have introduced the Latin term "trinitas" (Trinity) to the Christian vocabulary and also the formula "three Persons, one Substance"—tres Personae, una Substantia. Later in life, Tertullian joined the Montanists, a heretical sect, but his writings by and large are considered orthodox.

Cyprian

Saint Cyprian (died September 14, 258) was bishop of Carthage and an important early Christian writer who eventually died a martyr at Carthage. He is particularly important in defining the Christian church as "Catholic," meaning "universal," as opposed to those who insisted on a more rigorous standard of holiness, especially for church leaders.

Ambrose

AmbroseCite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

Though much Protestant religious thought is based on Sola Scriptura (the principle that the Bible itself is the ultimate authority in doctrinal matters), the first Protestant reformers, like the Catholic and Orthodox churches, relied heavily on the theological interpretations of scripture set forth by the early Church Fathers. The original Lutheran Augsburg Confession of 1531, for example, and the later Formula of Concord of 1576-1584, each begin with the mention of the doctrine professed by the Fathers of the First Council of Nicea. John Calvin's French Confession of Faith of 1559 states, "And we confess that which has been established by the ancient councils, and we detest all sects and heresies which were rejected by the holy doctors, such as St. Hilary, St. Athanasius, St. Ambrose and St. Cyril."[3] The Scots Confession of 1560 deals with general councils in its 20th chapter. The Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England, both the original of 1562-1571 and the American version of 1801, explicitly accept the Nicene Creed in article 7. Even when a particular Protestant confessional formula does not mention the Nicene Council or its creed, its doctrine is nonetheless always asserted, as, for example, in the Presbyterian Westminster Confession of 1647. Many Protestant seminaries provide courses on Patristics as part of their curriculum.

Patristics

The study of the Church Fathers is known as "Patristics."

Works of fathers in early Christianity, prior to Nicene Christianity, were translated into English in a 19th century collection Ante-Nicene Fathers. Those of the First Council of Nicaea (325 C.E.) and continuing through the Second Council of Nicea (787) are collected in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  1. Bruce Metzger Metzger, Bruce. The canon of the New Testament. 1997
  2. The Anathematisms of the Emperor Justinian Against Origen (Schaff, op. cit.)
  3. Henry Beveridge, trans. Calvin's Tracts (Calvin Translation Socieity, Edinburgh. 1849)

See also

  • Doctors of the Church
  • List of Church Fathers

Defined as an early writer of Christian doctrine; a Christian writer of the pre-8th century group of scholars who established the doctrines and practices of Christianity in their work (usually used in the plural).

External links

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