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Through the Church Fathers

Through the Church Fathers

by C. Michael Patton

History Christianity

Season 2

Through the Church Fathers: July 30

Today’s readings press us toward evidence, attention, and wise action. Tertullian continues Against Marcion by arguing that a god with nothing to show for himself is no god at all; the Creator is known through His works, while Marcion’s supposed higher god has no creation, no witness, and no worthy ground for faith. Augustine then reflects on learning as a gathering of the mind, showing that thought is not merely receiving images through the senses, but collecting, ordering, and bringing forward truths already held within the memory. Aquinas closes by beginning the section on prudence, teaching that virtue needs more than good desire: it needs right reason applied to action, so that courage, mercy, correction, and generosity are carried out in the right way, at the right time, and for the right end. Together, these readings remind us that the true God is not without witness, the mind must be trained to gather truth carefully, and the good life requires wisdom in action. Today’s Readings: Tertullian — Against Marcion, Book 1, Chapters 11–12 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 11 (Section 18) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 47–48 (Prudence and Its Parts Combined) Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #ChurchFathers #Tertullian #Augustine #Aquinas #Marcion #Memory #Prudence #Theology #ThroughTheChurchFathers

Through the Church Fathers: August 26

Podcast Description What does it mean to truly know and worship the one true God? In this episode, Hippolytus of Rome delivers a powerful defense of the incarnation and the distinction of the Persons in the Trinity, refuting the modalist error of Noetus with clarity and passion. Augustine continues his transparent self-examination, confessing how the beauty of sacred music can lift the soul to God while also tempting the senses toward distraction. Thomas Aquinas then brings sharp theological precision, explaining why divination and superstitious practices are always sinful, as they seek knowledge or power through means that belong to God alone. Together these readings call us to reject every human distortion of God and to worship Him faithfully as He has revealed Himself in Scripture. Today’s Readings: Hippolytus of Rome — Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Sections 15–18 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 34 (Section 51) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 95 — On Divination (Combined Articles) Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #ThroughTheChurchFathers #Hippolytus #Augustine #Aquinas #Trinity #Incarnation #TrueWorship #Divination

Through the Church Fathers: August 25

Podcast Description What does it truly mean to worship the one true God? Today Hippolytus of Rome delivers a powerful defense of the Trinity against the modalist heresy of Noetus, showing how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one in power and economy. Augustine continues his raw self-examination, confessing how the beauty of sacred music can elevate the soul to God while also tempting the senses toward distraction. Thomas Aquinas then brings sharp clarity, teaching the proper reverence due to God’s name and exposing superstition and idolatry as corruptions of true religion. These readings call us back to faithful worship of God as He has revealed Himself. Today’s Readings: Hippolytus of Rome — Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Sections 10–14 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 33 (Section 50) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 93–94 (Combined) Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #ThroughTheChurchFathers #Hippolytus #Augustine #Aquinas #Trinity #TrueWorship #Superstition #Idolatry

Through the Church Fathers: August 24

Podcast Description Today we confront one of the most persistent dangers in Christian history: the temptation to reshape God into something more comfortable for human understanding. Hippolytus vigorously refutes the modalist heresy of Noetus, who collapsed the Father and the Son into one person, while Augustine wrestles honestly with how sacred music can both elevate the soul toward God and subtly seduce the senses. Thomas Aquinas then brings clarity, showing the rightful reverence due to God’s name in prayer and praise, and exposing superstition as a corruption of true religion. Together these readings call us to worship God as He has revealed Himself — neither collapsing His persons nor inventing our own rituals. Today’s Readings: Hippolytus of Rome — Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Sections 5–9 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 33 (Section 49) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 91–92 (Combined) Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #ThroughTheChurchFathers #Hippolytus #Augustine #Aquinas #ChristianWorship #Trinity #Superstition

Through the Church Fathers: August 23

A false teacher from Smyrna claimed that the Father and the Son were not distinct persons at all, forcing the early Church to confront one of the most important questions in Christian theology: Who exactly is Jesus Christ? In today’s readings, Hippolytus of Rome begins his powerful refutation of Noetus, arguing that while God is one, the Father and the Son must not be confused with one another. Augustine continues his searching examination of the heart, reflecting on the subtle temptations of pleasure and the difficulty of truly knowing ourselves. Aquinas then explores the proper use of oaths and adjuration, teaching that invoking God's name is lawful only when done with truth, justice, and careful judgment. Together, these readings remind us that whether we are defending doctrine, examining our motives, or speaking in God's name, humility before the truth remains essential. Today's Readings: Hippolytus of Rome — Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Sections 1–4 Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 32 (Section 48) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 89–90 — On Oaths and Adjuration (Combined) Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #ChurchFathers #Hippolytus #AgainstNoetus #Modalism #Sabellianism #Trinity #Augustine #Confessions #ThomasAquinas #SummaTheologica #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology #Patristics #ThroughTheChurchFathersInAYear

Through the Church Fathers: August 22

Podcast Summary How should Christians respond to error, temptation, and commitment? In today’s readings, Tertullian concludes The Prescription against Heretics by arguing that heresy survives by tearing down the truth rather than building upon it. He warns that false teachers often appeal to signs, wonders, and impressive personalities, yet Christ and the apostles already warned the Church that such things would come. Augustine then continues his honest self-examination, reflecting on the daily struggle with appetite. He acknowledges that food itself is good and created by God, but the real danger lies in disordered desire. Even after victory over greater sins, he finds himself engaged in a lifelong battle for moderation and self-control, relying entirely on Christ’s intercession and grace. Finally, Aquinas considers vows and teaches that promises made to God are serious obligations, yet they must always serve the greater good for which they were intended. Lawful authority may sometimes dispense or redirect a vow, not to destroy it, but to fulfill its purpose more perfectly. Together these readings remind us that the Christian life requires discernment against falsehood, vigilance against temptation, and faithful perseverance in the commitments we make before God. Today's Readings Tertullian — The Prescription against Heretics, Chapters 42–44 Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 31 (Sections 46–47) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 88, Articles 7–12 Combined #Tertullian #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #ChurchFathers #ThroughTheChurchFathers #HistoricalTheology #ChristianHistory #ChristianDiscipleship #Heresy #RuleOfFaith #SelfControl #Temptation #Vows #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Patristics #ChurchHistory #Theology #CredoMinistries #ChristianLiving

Through the Church Fathers: August 21

Podcast Summary What does it mean to promise something to God? In today’s reading, Tertullian warns that heresy begins when people reshape Scripture to fit their own ideas rather than submitting themselves to the faith once delivered by the apostles. He argues that false teachers either cut away parts of Scripture or twist its meaning, creating doctrines that depart from the truth while still claiming biblical authority. Augustine then reflects on the struggle against excess and appetite, confessing that even ordinary necessities can become occasions for temptation. Yet he finds hope in God's grace, concluding with his famous prayer: “Give what you command, and command what you will.” Finally, Aquinas examines the nature of vows, teaching that a vow is a promise made directly to God concerning a good work. Such vows do not create virtue, but they strengthen the will toward virtue by binding us more firmly to the good. Together, these readings remind us that truth, self-control, and faithful commitment all depend ultimately upon the grace of God, who both commands and supplies the strength to obey. Today's Readings Tertullian — The Prescription against Heretics, Chapters 38–41 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 31 (Section 45) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 88, Articles 1–6 Combined Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #Tertullian #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #ChurchFathers #ThroughTheChurchFathers #Patristics #ChristianHistory #HistoricalTheology #Theology #ChristianDiscipleship #Heresy #Scripture #Grace #SelfControl #Vows #Confessions #SummaTheologica #EarlyChurch #CredoMinistries #ChurchHistory

Through the Church Fathers: August 20

Today's readings revolve around a common theme: recognizing what truly belongs to God. Tertullian argues that truth is not discovered through novelty but received through faithful transmission. The apostles handed the faith to the Church, and the Church preserved it through the regula fidei—the rule of faith. Heresies, however persuasive they may appear, ultimately reveal themselves by departing from that apostolic inheritance. Augustine brings the discussion into the heart, confessing how even something as necessary as food can become a subtle temptation. The struggle is not against eating itself but against the soul's tendency to disguise pleasure as necessity. Aquinas then turns to offerings and tithes, teaching that God does not need our gifts, but we need the act of giving. Through offerings, believers acknowledge that everything they possess comes from God's hand and belongs ultimately to Him. Together these readings remind us that faithfulness involves rightly ordering both doctrine and desire—receiving the truth handed down by God, disciplining the heart's affections, and gratefully returning to Him a portion of what He has entrusted to us. Today's Readings Tertullian — The Prescription against Heretics, Chapters 35–37 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 31 (Section 44) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 86–87 — Oblations, First Fruits, and Tithes (Combined) Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #ThroughTheChurchFathers #Tertullian #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #ChurchHistory #Patristics #HistoricalTheology #ChristianDiscipleship #RuleOfFaith #RegulaFidei #TheConfessions #SummaTheologica #Tithes #Offerings #ChristianGiving #ApostolicTradition #EarlyChurch #ChristianFormation #Theology #CredoMinistries

Through the Church Fathers: August 18

Today’s readings center on the battle for truth, purity, and rightly ordered desire. Tertullian argues that truth always comes before its counterfeit, reminding us that the apostolic faith existed long before the later innovations of the heretics and that every false doctrine is ultimately a corruption of something first delivered by Christ and His apostles. Augustine turns inward, confessing his continuing struggle with sinful desires and praying that God would so heal his soul that even the temptations of dreams would lose their power. Aquinas then concludes his treatment of prayer by showing that Christ not only taught us to pray, but taught us what to desire. The Lord’s Prayer orders our hearts toward God first and ourselves second, teaching us that the deepest purpose of prayer is not merely to receive gifts but to be formed into people who desire the right things in the right order. Together these readings remind us that truth comes from God, holiness comes from God, and even our desires must ultimately be directed back to God. Today's Readings Tertullian — The Prescription against Heretics, Chapters 29–31 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 30 (Section 42) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 83 — Prayer (Articles 9–17 Combined) Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #ThroughTheChurchFathers #Tertullian #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Prayer #LordsPrayer #ChurchHistory #Patristics #HistoricalTheology #ChristianDiscipleship #TheConfessions #SummaTheologica #EarlyChurch #ChristianFormation #Theology #AncientFaith #ChristianHistory #CredoMinistries #CredoCourses #DailyReading

Through the Church Fathers: August 17

Today's readings explore three different aspects of the Christian life that ultimately converge in the same place: dependence upon God. Tertullian defends the public and apostolic nature of the Christian faith, arguing that the apostles concealed no secret doctrine but openly delivered the truth to the whole Church. Augustine reflects on the troubling persistence of sinful images in dreams, wrestling with the mystery of temptation, conscience, and human weakness even after conversion. Aquinas then turns to prayer itself, explaining how God has ordained prayer as a means by which His people participate in His providence—not to change His will, but to draw near to Him and receive His gifts according to His wisdom. Together, these readings remind us that God has openly revealed His truth, patiently sanctifies His people, and graciously invites them into fellowship through prayer. Today's Readings Tertullian — The Prescription against Heretics, Chapters 25–28 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 30 (Section 41) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 83 — Prayer (Articles 1–8 Combined) Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #ChurchFathers #Tertullian #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Prayer #TheConfessions #SummaTheologica #Patristics #ChurchHistory #HistoricalTheology #ChristianDiscipleship #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #CredoMinistries #ChristianFormation #EarlyChurch #Theology #ChristianHistory #AncientFaith #DailyReading

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