Facts About Fathers of the Church

The Church Fathers were leaders, theologians and scholars.

Before his ascension, Jesus commanded his disciples to teach others what they had learned. The New Testament provides ample evidence that the apostles traveled throughout the known world winning new disciples. But what happened after the apostles passed away? Who were the disciples who took up the leadership of the Church? The early leaders of the Church are known collectively as the Church Fathers. These are the men that shaped the early Church.

Apostolic Church Fathers

Clement was an elder at the church in Rome.

The earliest writings outside of the New Testament come from the second century Apostolic Fathers. It is claimed that Papias, bishop of Hierapolis, knew the apostle John. Clement, an elder in Rome, wrote a letter to the church in Corinth in which he affirmed the deity of Christ and encouraged the Corinthians to submit to their elders. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, wrote a letter to the church in Philippi around 110. The first published document about martyrdom was printed shortly after Polycarp was martyred in 155.

Ante-Nicene Fathers

The Church was led by the Ante-Nicene Fathers from the late second century until the Council of Nicaea. One of the challenges of this period was a growing body of works that claimed equality with the writings of the Apostles. Fathers such as Irenaeus, a student of Polycarp, worked to defend the faith from false doctrines such as Gnosticism. Tertullian (145-220) is considered the father of Latin theology. Origen, a prolific writer, composed commentaries on both the Old and New Testaments.

First Council of Nicaea

Constantine's Arch is located near the Colosseum in Rome.

The conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine to Christianity in 312 brought the Church under strong state influence. A debate arose between Church father Alexander of Alexandria and Arius concerning the relationship of Jesus and God the Father. Constantine called a council of church leaders to settle the issue at Nicaea -- modern-day Turkey -- in the summer of 325. Arius was opposed by a faction led by Alexander's deacon, Athanasius, at the council. The resulting Nicene Creed denounced the Arian view and affirmed the view that Jesus is co-eternal with God the Father.

Post-Nicene Fathers

Augustine's teachings still influence the Church today.

After the Council of Nicaea, Athanasius was exiled five different times for his continuing defense against Arianism. Basil the Great founded one of the first monasteries. Ambrose promoted congregational singing and introduced antiphonal chants in worship. Augustine, who has left an enduring legacy, was a Post-Nicene Father. Augustine lived an immoral lifestyle as a young man, but after his conversion in 387 sold all his possessions and dedicated his life to following Christ. His autobiography titled "Confessions" chronicles his spiritual journey and is still in print today. The city of Hippo in North Africa became the center of western Christianity under his leadership.

References

• Ritchies: The Story of the Church
• Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church: The Church Fathers
• Got Questions?: Early Church Fathers
• Christian History for Everyman: The Council of Nicaea
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: St. Augustine
• EWTN Global Catholic Network: Saint Augustine

Resources

• Christian History: Early Church
• The Interactive Bible: Early Church Fathers
• Religion Facts: Home Page