Reading Theological Classics Archives

Reading Theological Classics #3: Apologies of Justin Martyr

Some time ago, I have written a blog post about the earliest group of Christian writings known as the Apostolic Fathers. Another group of writings that begun to form in the 2nd century are early Christian apologists. To this group belongs the Epistle to Diognetus (which is included in the corpus of the Apostolic Fathers) as well as writings of Quadratus of Athens, Tatian, Tertullian, Origen and others. Some of their works are preserved, others are known to us only from the name or short fragments cited by other authors.

Reading Theological Classics #2: The Apostolic Fathers (2/2)

The Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians

Polycarp was a bishop of Smyrna and a significant figure in the early church whose lifespan connects the time of the apostles to the succeeding period. His letter is a word of exhortation responding to certain problems in the church in Philippi. What is particularly interesting about this document is how it inseparably connects orthodoxy (right beliefs) with orthopraxy (right practice). Polycarp is concerned about both teaching and moral conduct of the church and sees these issues as closely related to each other.

Reading Theological Classics #1: The Apostolic Fathers (1/2)

I strongly believe in reading Scripture in the great Christian Tradition. We are not the first people to reflect on God’s revelation, on the contrary, we stand on the arms of giants. It is of utmost importance to pay attention to historical theology. Reading classical theological works provides checks and balances for our idiosyncratic tendencies in interpreting Holy Scripture. It provides us with a framework for understanding theological problems. It saves us from repeating old errors and old heresies. It roots us in the Church catholic, the two-thousand years old community of believers who strive to understand and live out the gospel. One of the reasons for creating this blog was motivating myself to read (and re-read) some of the classical works of Christian theology. Hence this series, where I share my thoughts on them.