Because Jesus Taught It: Christianity Through the Eyes of the Church Fathers

by Flame

In this follow-up to his debut book, GRAMMY®-nominated and Stellar Award-winning hip-hop artist FLAME recounts how various early church fathers influenced his understanding of doctrines, such as justification and the Sacraments, and helped him realize that Lutheran teaching has preserved the teachings of the early church. FLAME uses this argument in his lyrics frequently to show how Lutheranism is not something new or European, but rather reflects the teachings of the earliest Christians. The balance of history, doctrine, and personal experience will help lay Lutherans and non-Lutherans alike appreciate the importance of patristics and the faithfulness of Lutheran theology.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[Christa Petzold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an early copy of this book. Here is my endorsement:

"In a seamless melding of memoir and theology, FLAME brings the reader along on his personal journey of patristic discovery. This study highlights the strengths of the Lutheran theological tradition, equipping those new to Lutheranism and lifelong Lutherans alike to identify the comfort, assurance, and beauty of our confession of faith when contrasted with errors common in American evangelicalism. Deeply relatable and moving, yet informative and researched, FLAME’s book on the early church fathers and the historic Christian view of the Sacraments is fresh, well-written, and difficult to put down."

[Benjamin Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flame lays out the historical Christian faith with humor, honesty, quotes from church fathers and of course quotes from Scripture.

This would be outstanding for someone investing Lutheranism. It will also help lifelong Lutherans to better appreciate what they already have.

[Roydrick B · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a recent convert to Lutheranism coming from a Non-Denominational background this was an heaven send for me the things I was wrestling with in my previous Church and reading through the scriptures over again I knew these elements weren’t just symbolic. Flame gives insight from the Church Fathers and real life experience growing up and going to seminary in a digestible way for the layman Christian. The Early Church has always taught on the sacraments the Gifts God has blessed us with because Jesus taught it.

[Chris Papillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If any church is not teaching who Jesus is, then it is not doing a good job with its vocation to its community, to the world, or to the universal church. It has become simply a community center contributing needed and praiseworthy good in this broken world that we inhabit. It is not teaching Christian doctrine and therefore not functioning as the Christian Church.”

I first heard of Flame back in 2011 (in my wild and rebellious Christian Rap phase) from my non-Lutheran youth pastor at my “Lutheran” church, who was a big fan. About ten years later—and for lack of a better phrase—Flame “came out” as a Lutheran. For better or worse, it has forced me to listen to *some* Christian Rap again. Specifically Lutheran Rap. Such a twist. Lutherans are cool now!

This book was a real page turner for me! I’m usually one to slog through even the shortest of books, but I couldn’t put this one down.
It is a good introduction for the common person to the early church fathers, and it makes you want to read them more, which I’m sure is Flame’s intent.

I specifically enjoyed chapter 6 where he compares different denominational views on the Eucharist to what the early church fathers said about it. He explains communion and Christology in a very understandable way.
Again, a great book for an introduction to Lutheranism.

I dinged him a star for forcing me to read an entire chapter of rap lyrics. Works good in music, not in my head.

[Jakob Bruhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

a helpful book combining scripture and writings of various theologians through history wrestling with important Christian topics. I found it readable and engaging and appreciated the author sharing his own struggle to understand / accept certain elements of faith.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

FLAME is quickly becoming the author I recommend for anyone beginning to explore Christianity, and Lutheranism in particular. His journey from charismatic, reformed Baptist theology begins in his first book, Extra Nos. It continues in Because Jesus Taught It. His writing is captivating. In Because Jesus Taught It, FLAME offers a book that is part personal journey and part exploration of patristic writings. This book gives the reader the assurance, confidence, and beauty of the Lutheran confessions/theology. He contrasts Lutheranism with the errors found in modern American evangelicalism. FLAME leads the reader to a deeper understanding of the early church fathers and the Christian view of the Sacraments based upon Scripture and the teachings of the apostles. It is a treasure! I highly recommend it for your library. Order extra copies…you’ll want to share!

[Teri Reck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is by an amazing young man, a Christian rap artist, Flame, and his faith sojourn as he has explored the Christian faith he celebrated as a young one and then compared to what he learned about Christianity as lived out by the early Church. A beautiful rendition of someone coming to love the sacramental Church--the beauty of the sacraments as works of God, and not just a representation of man's choice to be a Christian follower. Truly beautiful account of this young man's quest for greater understanding of the faith. A very worthy read.

[Faith Wiechers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lutherans believe and teach what the early church fathers taught. The early church fathers learned from the disciples who learned from Jesus.
"The early church was so overwhelmingly aware of these realities that they did not think of the gathering of the church as simply a time to hear a relevant sermon or to get inspired to be a better person. They rightly understood that when Christians gathered, they came together to commune with Jesus Himself" (p. 187).

[Kathy Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biblical and historical explanation of why the sacraments matter. It's not about us.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Flame has a gift with words.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always appreciate Flame and his passion and perspective.

[Danny Weinstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pray all christians would be able to read this book. What does it mean practically in your life to take God at his word?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another deep dive on Lutheran beliefs blended with elements of Flame's life and faith journey.