The Early Christian Fathers: A Selection from the Writings of the Fathers from St. Clement of Rome to St. Athanasius - Paperback

by Henry Bettenson (Editor), Henry Bettenson (Translator)

There is now a wide and growing appreciation of the value and relevance of the writings of the Fathers of the early Church, even for non-academic readers, and particularly for all who wish to understand Christian doctrine. The authors represented in the volume, first published in 1956, are the principal writers of the Church in the Roman Empire from the period immediately after the New Testament down to the age of Constantine and the council of Nicaea (AD 325). They include St Ignatius of Antioch, St Justin, Tertullian, St Irenaeus, St Clement of Alexandra, Origen, St Cyprian, and St Athanasius. Bettenson has selected passages to display as fully as possible the thought of the early Fathers, especially on the great doctrinal themes, and has himself translated them afresh, with brief annotation where necessary.

Back Jacket

The writings of Fathers of the early Church are of particular importance to anyone who wishes to understand Christian doctrine. This book illustrates the process of development in Christian thought, life, and worship during the period which culminated in the acceptance of the Christian faith by the Emperor Constantine, and the meeting of the Council of Nicaea in AD 325.