Through the Church Fathers: June ...
Through the Church Fathers: June 2

Through the Church Fathers by C. Michael Patton

Episode notes

Today’s readings lead us through a rich theological meditation on memory, unity, and embodiment. Irenaeus critiques the false Gnostic claim that matter is inherently evil, reaffirming that the Creator made all things good and that the same God who created the world is the One who saves it. Augustine continues his deep reflection on the memory, describing how even abstract things like numbers and truths are retained within us apart from the senses—offering a window into the immaterial operations of the soul. Finally, Aquinas addresses whether humans possess multiple souls or a single one. He decisively argues that the intellectual soul in man is not just one part among others, but encompasses all lower powers—nutritive, sensitive, and rational—showing how the highest form subsumes the rest. Across these readings, we see a unified Christian vision: ... 

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Keywords
Apostolic FathersThomas AquinasSumma TheologicaScholasticismThrough the Church Fathers in a YearAugustineConfessionsC Michael PattonCredo HouseTheologyPatristicsEarly ChurchChurch HistoryIrenaeus