The Faith of the Early Fathers, Vol. 1

The Faith of the Early Fathers #1

by William A. Jurgens

Volume 1
A source-book of theological and historical passages from the Christian writings of the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras. Volume 1 ends circa 382.

Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras
Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome;
Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end of the patristic period. 

The passages selected are keyed to the numerical order established in M. J. Rouët de Journel's Enchiridion Patristicum . In no sense, however, are these volumes a translation of that standard work. The author has made his own investigation of theological textbooks in common use and has selected the patristic passages most frequently cited, including much that is in Rouët and much that is not. All passages have been freshly and accurately translated from the best critical editions. 

Preceding each selection is a brief introduction treating the authorship, date and place of composition, and the purpose of the work from which the selection is taken. The author's scholarship and sprightly sense of humor are evident in these prefatory remarks. 

Of immense value to the reader is the Doctrinal Index provided for each volume. Here one can find the texts pertinent to particular doctrinal points, a method especially useful to homilists. In addition, each volume is enhanced by comprehensive Scriptural and General Indices.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Catholic, Reference, History, Nonfiction, Christian

Paperback

First published July 1, 1978

About the author

Fr. William A. Jurgens (July 3, 1928 – September 1, 1982) was a Catholic priest, composer, historian, and translator of patristic and other works.

Reviews

[Pete Caccavari · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great book to read in snippets (much of my reading falls into that category these days). Primary sources on patristic writings. Fascinating.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading these 3 volumes, my friend became a Priest! Excellent reading on the Holy Eucharist from the earliest days of the Church!

[booklady]

In The Mountain of Silence: A Search for Orthodox Spirituality Father Maximos kept referring to the early Church fathers which made me want to get this back out and at least dip into it a little more often. It's a book I have marked as Reference, so I don't think I'll ever sit down and read it cover-to-cover (although anythings possible!) but often, especially during Lent, I find such books very nutritional reading.

[Dan Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writings from the early fathers of the Christian church. Writings range from the 1st through the 4th centuries. I’m very interested in the beliefs and practices of the early Christians in comparison to our beliefs today. I didn’t find anything significantly different, although I found a few concepts I want to dig a little deeper into.

This is VERY dense reading. Could be a higher rating for someone with a different purpose, it was just OK for mine.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have often heard it said that many a Protestant has no other choice except to become Catholic after reading the early Church fathers. I understand why now.