Value of the Early Church Fathers

[seydlitz77]

When reading Talmage's book The Great Apostasy I noticed that one of the sources he referred to often was Eusebuis' book Ecclesiatical History written shortly after AD 300. I was so intrigued that I got a copy of it myself and studied it and found it very useful in not only understanding the apostasy but also scriptural history and it was enlightening to see this early Christian's understanding of the Gospel and see that he himself wasn't very far off. I definitely liked him better than Augustine who wrote around AD 400 and sounds like greek philosophy loosely supported with scripture.

I'm wondering if anyone else has delved into early Christian writings and found anything of worth in them as well?

[FunkyTown]

There are lots of ancient writings that are worthwhile! Everything from the Patrologia Latina to the writings of Rashi on the Torah. They're all faith-promoting.

[rameumptom]

I've had my copy of Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History for 20 years. Excellent book. I've used a few of his stories in Sacrament talks, particularly the story of the apostle John converting a youth to the gospel, then leaving him to the charge of the local bishop. The bishop got busy with other concerns, and the youth ended up being the leader of a gang. When John returned after several years, frail and bent over with age, his first question of the bishop was about the boy. The bishop admitted his failure. John went immediately to the hideout of the gang, and called the boy forth. The youth fell to his knees before John, asked his forgiveness, and followed John back on the path of righteousness.

Eusebius was at the Council of Nice, where he supported a belief called Origenism. Origen had taught that the Father and Son were separate beings, with both being God, though Jesus was a subordinate God to the Father. This teaching was lost between the two big and noisy contenders: Athanasius and Arius. Athanasius promoted what would become the Trinity, while Arius taught that the Father and Son were two beings, with the Father being God, and Jesus being Lord (not God).

Eusebius and the Origen followers somehow were lumped in with the Arians, and were told to submit to the Trinity view. Arius was excommunicated and exiled, while Eusebius was only exiled for a half-hearted acceptance of the Trinity.

His history is very clear about the many groups that fell away, teaching heresies and contradictory teachings from what was then considered the proto-orthodox teachings of the Christian church. Amazing that both he and Origen, both defenders of the Church and considered orthodox with their teachings, would be considered heretics because the Nicene and Chalcedon creeds would part ways with their teachings.

[seydlitz77]

I enjoyed that story as well. :)

Apparently enough people convinced Athanasius and crew to accept a watered down creed that they could agree to as well so that there could be a united front against Arianism. After the council if any Bishop too strongly supported Athanasius' teachings these same people did what they could to get rid of them.

I do find it interesting that Eusebius is condenmed for supporting a Heresy that he himself taught against.

Anyone know where I can find some copies or Origen's writings? I have an online copy but it is incomplete and difficult (visually) to read.

[rameumptom]

You can buy a copy at Amazon.com: Amazon.com: Early Christian Fathers (Library of Christian Classics (Paperback Westminster)): Cyril Richardson: Books

You can also find a good online copy at: Early Church Fathers | Christian Classics Ethereal Library

[livy111us]

I am in love with the ECF, and study their works regularly. They give so much insight to the scriptures and early Christianity beliefs and practices (which some really align with LDS beliefs). I'm going through the Ante-Nicene Fathers series right now, but have been side tracked by David Bercots "Dictionary to Early Christian Beliefs". You can study their beliefs by subject. I'm almost done with it and have to say it is probably my favorite book on ECF that I've read so far.

You may also be interested in this book:

Restoring the Ancient Church, Table of Contents

I enjoyed it as well.