Through the Church Fathers: Augus...

Through the Church Fathers: August 10

Through the Church Fathers by C. Michael Patton
S2 · E218
Aug 10, 2026
10:28

Episode notes

Tertullian opens Prescription Against Heretics by arguing that heresies should not shock Christians, because Scripture itself foretold that false teaching would arise as a testing and proving of genuine faith. He warns believers not to judge truth by the apparent success or popularity of heresy, nor by the fall of respected leaders, but by perseverance in the apostolic faith itself. Augustine then reflects on humanity’s universal desire for happiness, concluding that true happiness is nothing less than joy in the truth—which ultimately means joy in God himself. Finally, Aquinas examines the role of advocates in public justice, defending the legitimacy of legal defense while insisting that no advocate may knowingly cooperate with falsehood or corruption. Together, these readings explore truth, perseverance, justice, and the difficult calling to remain faithful in a world filled with deception and compromise.

Today’s Readings:

Tertullian — Prescription Against Heretics Chapters 1–3

Augustine — The Confessions Book 10, Chapter 23 (Section 33)

Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica Part 2–2, Question 71

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Keywords

Apostolic Fathers
Thomas Aquinas
Summa Theologica
Through the Church Fathers in a Year
Augustine
C Michael Patton
Theology
Church History
Tertullian On the Prescription of Heretics
Polemicists