Church Fathers 101 (Part 1 of 3)

Who were the Church Fathers, and why do they still matter today? Bishop Barron introduces these spiritual masters and shares their key contributions. In the first episode of our three-part series, he also discusses the three main Apostolic Fathers:

- Clement (35 - 99)
- Ignatius (35 - 108)
- Polycarp (69 - 155)

[dalge]

When I was considering Catholicism, someone suggested a book called Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn. He mentioned the church fathers as what converted him so I wanted to read them. I haven’t read all of them, but enough to know they were Catholic. They also converted me. I want to read more about them this year.

[KingdomIsNow]

I do agree that it is impossible to be a true theologian if we do not study the teachings of the Church Fathers. I will never forget how I felt the very first time I started to study the Church Fathers. I highly recommend their teachings. Origen is the number one theologian. Ignatius lures your soul into purity. You will develop a very strong desire to be holy once you start studying their writings.

[jonathanlillpopp]

You are all amazing. Thank you for this gift.

[davidmaxwell]

I love history, especially Catholic history!

[KingdomIsNow]

It is so refreshing to hear a Bishop discuss the Word of God and apostolic writings. This is what Christians should do when we get together.

[bryangarten]

I love ❤️ your Series on the History of the Catholic Church ❤🙏🏻

[CatholicBeardReviews]

Look at the church father's who died for the faith God bless them all
They earned there place in heaven

[ryanskol]

The gift of tears is the most beautiful gift. 💝🔥

[dellmckinley]

I transitioned from Baptist to Lutheran, Catholic direction as mentioned in large part due to the church fathers.

[phylliscory]

Recommended: The Sunday Sermons of the Great Church Fathers: A Manual of Preaching, Spiritual Reading, and Meditation. Ignatius Press 4 Volumes

[Raibartroudrix]

Protestant here, I agree with going back to the Fathers...just put a book on hold at the Library with that in mind.

[OliphauntTamer]

Thank you for all your work and the work of Word on Fire, it is life giving and exactly what our age needs. Praise God!

[jlurodriguez]

What I have experienced is that by knowing the founding fathers of the Church I’ve got to love even more our faith... their teachings, their life are really inspiring.

Bishop Barron, you are doing an amazing work spreading the gospel and opening the eyes of those who wants to see... God bless you.

[sergedaney]

Best interviewer I've ever heard, and of course Bishop Barron is great as usual. Thanks!

[GR]

I love the writings of the apostolic fathers.

[Linda-qqmg]

Thank you so very much for these outstanding videos! May God bless you both!

[wreloise]

Prayer Intention…Theological Virtues; Faith, Hope….May God’s Will be Done🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾
Thank you again Word On Fire…Wow!

[chedge]

Thank you Bishop Barron an d Word on Fire ... i look forward to the second part in. A week

[suanyangelaoliveira]

I thank you for this wonderful and important subject. God bless all

[therealanyaku]

I was greatly relieved to hear Brandon name ST. Justin Martyr in the end. Involved in the "Jesus People" movement in the early 70's, and majoring in History, my life has been impacted by what, as far as I know, are the first clear descriptions of the Eucharist as very recognizably the Mass, and "the memoirs of the Apostles", pretty unambiguously the Gospels. The quite certain date of Justin Martyr's writings shows that these elements were present in the apostolic Church, and disallow the late dates cited by militant atheists and other enemies of the Church. I hope that after these comments it doesn't disappoint you that I am an ACNA Anglican.