Through the Church Fathers

ตอน

• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 22 22.07.2026 8นาที

  Today’s readings bring together baptism, self-knowledge, and charity in action. Cyprian concludes Epistle 72 by insisting that earlier mistakes do not justify continuing in error, and that those coming from heresy should not be kept from the Church by the demand for true baptism, but drawn toward the Church by the clarity of truth. Augustine then confesses that man does not fully know himself: even when we are more present to ourselves than to God, there are depths within us known only to the Lord who made us. Aquinas closes by describing almsgiving as an act of charity through mercy, relieving both bodily and spiritual need according to duty, ability, and right order. Together, these readings call us to correct error without stubbornness, confess our weakness before the God who knows us completely, and let charity become visible in practical mercy.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — Epistle 72: To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics, Sections 23–26Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 5 (Section 7)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 32 (Articles 1–10 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Baptism #Charity #Mercy #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through Theology in a Year: July 21 21.07.2026 10นาที

  Today’s readings connect the truth of Christ to the visible life of love. Cyprian continues Epistle 72 by arguing that baptism cannot be separated from the true confession of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that even the language of Christ’s name must not be used against the truth Christ Himself revealed. Augustine then explains why he confesses not only what he was, but what he now is, speaking before fellow pilgrims who share his joy, his mortality, and his need for grace. Aquinas closes by describing beneficence as charity in action: love does not remain only in affection, but moves outward to do good according to need, duty, and opportunity. Together, these readings remind us that truth must be confessed, weakness must be honestly brought before God and the Church, and charity must become visible in works of love.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — Epistle 72: To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics, Sections 19–22Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 4 (Section 6)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 31 (Articles 1–4 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Baptism #Charity #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 20 20.07.2026 10นาที

  Today’s readings bring together truth, confession, and mercy. Cyprian continues Epistle 72 by arguing that not everything done “in the name of Christ” truly belongs to Christ, especially when it is separated from the truth of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the unity of the Church. Augustine then explains why he confesses before others: not to satisfy curiosity, but so that brotherly souls may rejoice over God’s gifts in him, grieve over what still needs healing, and pray that God would complete what He has begun. Aquinas closes by describing mercy as a virtue flowing from charity, by which we regard another’s misery as our own and act to relieve it. Together, these readings remind us that truth cannot be severed from Christ, confession should serve love rather than curiosity, and mercy is not mere feeling, but love stooping to heal.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — Epistle 72: To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics, Sections 15–18Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 4 (Section 5)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 30 (Articles 1–4 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Baptism #Mercy #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 19 19.07.2026 11นาที

  What does true unity in the Church look like when error and compromise threaten the faith?Today we sit with three voices that refuse easy answers.Cyprian of Carthage boldly insists that baptism belongs only to the one true Church and cannot be separated from living faith.Augustine lays bare the honest struggle of self-knowledge, showing that real confession begins with God’s light, not human curiosity.And Thomas Aquinas brings clarity and beauty to the virtue of peace, teaching us that genuine peace is never mere absence of conflict — it is the fruit of rightly ordered love in God.Today’s Readings:Cyprian of Carthage — Epistle 72, To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics (Sections 10–14)Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 3 (Section 4)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2-2, Question 29 — Peace (Articles 1–4 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#CyprianOfCarthage #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #BaptismAndUnity #OrderOfPeace #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 18 18.07.2026 10นาที

  Podcast DescriptionWhat does it really mean to belong to Christ — and can the Church’s unity ever be compromised by compromise? Today we wrestle with that urgent question through three powerful voices from the early Church and the medieval tradition. Cyprian of Carthage confronts the dangerous practice of accepting baptism from heretics, insisting that true faith and true Church cannot be separated. Augustine opens the depths of his own heart in confession, showing us that only God truly knows us and that honest self-knowledge begins with God’s light. And Thomas Aquinas brings luminous clarity to the order of charity, teaching us how to love God first, ourselves rightly, and our neighbors according to the bonds and duties God has given us.Today’s Readings:Cyprian of Carthage — Epistle 72, To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics (Sections 5–9) Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 3 (Section 3) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2-2, Question 26 — The Order of Charity (Articles 1–13 Combined)Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#CyprianOfCarthage #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #OrderOfCharity #BaptismAndUnity #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 17 17.07.2026 14นาที

  Today’s readings ask where grace, confession, and love truly belong. Cyprian continues his argument in Epistle 72, insisting that baptism cannot be separated from the unity and truth of the Church, and that heretical imitation does not require the Church to surrender what belongs to Christ. Augustine then reminds us that confession before God is not merely spoken with the mouth, but cried out from the soul, since nothing in the conscience is hidden from the Lord who first speaks truth into us. Aquinas closes by explaining the object of charity: God is loved above all, and all others—self, neighbor, sinners, enemies, angels, and even the body—are loved rightly only in relation to God and eternal blessedness. Together, these readings press us to see that Christian life is not held together by outward forms alone, but by truth, inward confession, and love ordered toward God.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — Epistle 72: To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics, Sections 1–4Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 2 (Section 2)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 25 (Articles 1–12 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Baptism #Charity #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 16 16.07.2026 9นาที

  Today’s readings move from the boundaries of the Church to the inward life of the soul. Cyprian’s Epistle 70 argues that baptism is one because the Church is one, insisting that those who come from heresy do not bring sacramental life from outside the Church, but must receive it where grace and truth are found. Augustine begins Book 10 of The Confessions with a new kind of confession, asking God to know Him as he is known and placing his hope and sober joy in God alone. Aquinas continues the section on charity by asking where charity exists, how it grows, and how it can be lost, teaching that charity is poured into the will by the Holy Spirit, grows as the soul clings more firmly to God, and is destroyed when the will turns away from God as its final end. Together, these readings call us to unity in the truth, honesty before God, and a love that must be guarded, strengthened, and kept alive.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — Epistle 70: To Quintus, Concerning the Baptism of HereticsAugustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 1 (Section 1)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 24 (Articles 1–12 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Baptism #Charity #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 15 15.07.2026 10นาที

  Today’s readings move from repentance into restoration, and from grief into charity. Cyprian concludes On the Lapsed by warning that false safety destroys true safety, while genuine repentance must be as deep as the wound; yet he also holds out hope that the fallen soldier may be armed again, restored by mercy, and even receive a crown. Augustine closes Book 9 of The Confessions by remembering Monica at the Lord’s altar, trusting not in her merits but in the mercy of Christ, who paid the price no one can repay. Aquinas then begins the great section on charity, defining it as friendship with God and the greatest of the virtues, because faith believes, hope longs, but charity already clings to God in love. Together, these readings remind us that repentance is not the end of the Christian life, but the doorway back into mercy, communion, and holy love.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Lapsed, Sections 34–36Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 13 (Sections 36–37)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 23 (Articles 1–8 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Repentance #Charity #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 14 14.07.2026 10นาที

  Today’s readings distinguish real repentance from religious self-deception. Cyprian continues On the Lapsed by warning that repentance must not be merely claimed, but shown through grief, humility, confession, and a willingness to receive the medicine of correction. Augustine then turns from mourning Monica to praying for her, refusing to rest even in her holy life as though anyone could stand before God apart from mercy. Aquinas closes by examining presumption as a sin against hope, not because it trusts God’s mercy too much, but because it expects forgiveness without repentance and the end without the means God has appointed. Together, these readings remind us that true hope neither despairs of mercy nor presumes upon it, but returns to God with honest sorrow and confidence in His grace.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Lapsed, Sections 30–33Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 13 (Sections 34–35)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 21 (Articles 1–4 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Repentance #Hope #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 12 12.07.2026 11นาที

  Today’s readings confront the danger of hidden sin and the mercy of rightly ordered fear. Cyprian continues On the Lapsed with some of his most severe warnings, insisting that anger against the Church’s discipline only deepens the wound and that sins hidden from men are never hidden from God. Augustine then describes grief after Monica’s death with startling honesty: the bath could not wash sorrow from his heart, but sleep began to soften what he could not command away by force of will. Aquinas closes by explaining the gift of fear, not as slavish terror, but as reverent awe before God, a fear that strengthens hope by keeping the soul humble, watchful, and unwilling to be separated from Him. Together, these readings remind us that repentance must be real, grief must be entrusted to God, and hope must walk with holy reverence.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Lapsed, Sections 22–26Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 12 (Section 32)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 19 (Articles 1–12 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Repentance #Hope #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 11 11.07.2026 10นาที

  Today’s readings place mercy under the authority of God rather than human presumption. Cyprian continues On the Lapsed by insisting that even the honor of the martyrs cannot overturn the Lord’s commands or grant peace apart from true repentance, because the Gospel cannot be firm in one place and broken in another. Augustine then mourns Monica with painful honesty, not only grieving her death, but grieving the fact that grief itself still had such power over him. Aquinas turns us to hope, defining it as the theological virtue by which the soul reaches toward eternal happiness as a difficult but possible good, relying on the help of God. Together, these readings remind us that mercy must be sought from the Lord, grief must be carried before the Lord, and hope must rest finally in the Lord.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Lapsed, Sections 18–22Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 12 (Section 31)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 17 (Articles 1–8 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Hope #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 10 10.07.2026 10นาที

  Today’s readings press into the difference between true healing and false peace. Cyprian continues On the Lapsed by warning that wounds must be opened before they can be healed, and that restoring the fallen too quickly, without real repentance, is not mercy but another kind of danger. Augustine mourns Monica with striking honesty, grieving not as one without hope, but as a son whose life had been deeply joined to his mother’s. Aquinas then turns to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, explaining it as the willful resistance of the very grace, truth, repentance, and mercy by which the soul might be forgiven. Together, these readings remind us that God’s mercy is never opposed to truth: the wound must be named, grief must be faced, and grace must not be refused.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Lapsed, Sections 14–17Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 12 (Section 30)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 14 (Articles 1–4 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Repentance #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 9 09.07.2026 9นาที

  Today’s readings confront what we cling to, what we grieve, and how we speak of God. Cyprian continues On the Lapsed by arguing that fleeing persecution is not the same as denying Christ, but that many were unable to flee because wealth had chained their hearts to the world; still, he distinguishes this willing compromise from those whose bodies finally gave way under torture. Augustine then describes the moment of Monica’s death, holding back tears because she had not died unhappily or finally, even as the wound of grief opened in him. Aquinas closes by examining blasphemy as a sin opposed to the confession of faith, since it dishonors God by speaking falsely or contemptuously against Him. Together, these readings press us to ask whether our faith is freer than our possessions, stronger than our fear, deeper than our grief, and reverent enough to speak rightly of God.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Lapsed, Sections 10–13Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 12 (Section 29)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 13 (Articles 1–4 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 8 08.07.2026 11นาที

  Today’s readings confront the sobering difference between weakness and willing surrender. Cyprian continues On the Lapsed by tracing the Church’s collapse under persecution back to earlier spiritual decay: greed, lack of discipline, false oaths, quarrels, worldly ambition, and leaders neglecting their charge. When the threat finally came, many did not merely fall under pressure; they ran toward the altar of denial, even drawing their children into the ruin. Augustine then reflects on Monica’s freedom from earthly attachment as death approached, especially her confidence that “nothing is far from God,” and that the Lord would know where to raise her body at the end. Aquinas closes with apostasy, describing it as a turning away from God most fully seen when someone abandons the faith once professed. Together, these readings warn us that public collapse is often prepared by private decay, and that faithfulness requires both courage before the world and a heart no longer enslaved to it.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Lapsed, Sections 6–9Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 11 (Section 28)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 12 (Articles 1–2 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 7 07.07.2026 11นาที

  Today’s readings move from the joy of restored peace to the grief of spiritual collapse. Cyprian begins On the Lapsed by celebrating the return of peace to the Church and honoring those who stood firm under persecution, yet he quickly turns with deep sorrow to those who fell, insisting that the wound of the flock is also the wound of the shepherd. Augustine then brings us to Monica’s final illness at Ostia, where her earthly attachments have fallen away and her only request is that she be remembered at the Lord’s altar, wherever her sons may be. Aquinas closes the day by defining heresy as a form of unbelief in which someone professes the Christian faith while choosing private judgment against the truth revealed by God and taught by the Church. Together, these readings confront the cost of faithfulness, the sorrow of failure, the hope of mercy, and the danger of reshaping the faith while still claiming its name.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Lapsed, Sections 1–5Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 11 (Section 27)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 11 (Articles 1–4 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 6 06.07.2026 12นาที

  Today’s readings bring us to the end of Cyprian’s On the Unity of the Church with a call to peace, generosity, and watchfulness. Cyprian warns that the failure of some confessors does not destroy the faithfulness of the Church, just as Judas’s betrayal did not overthrow the apostolic witness; instead, believers must flee schism, seek peace, remain one in heart and soul, and recover the generosity and vigilance that mark true faith. Augustine then records Monica’s astonishing contentment after seeing her deepest earthly hope fulfilled: Augustine has become a Catholic Christian and servant of God, and she no longer sees any reason to cling to this life. Aquinas closes the day by examining unbelief, distinguishing ignorance from willful resistance to revealed truth and showing why unbelief is especially grave when someone rejects or corrupts the faith once received. Together, these readings call us to remain steadfast in the Church’s peace, hold earthly hopes lightly, and treat the truth of God not as an opinion to manage, but as a gift to receive with humble obedience.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Unity of the Church, Sections 22–27Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 10 (Section 26)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 10 (Articles 1–12 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 5 05.07.2026 13นาที

  Today’s readings warn us that spiritual danger often comes not only from open opposition, but from misplaced confidence. Cyprian continues On the Unity of the Church by insisting that even confessors—those who have suffered for Christ—must still remain humble, obedient, and united to the Church, because confession is the beginning of glory, not the completion of faithfulness. Augustine then gives us one of the most profound moments in The Confessions, imagining all created things falling silent so the soul may hear God Himself, touching for a moment the eternal joy into which the saints will finally enter. Aquinas completes the day by describing knowledge as a gift of the Holy Spirit, teaching us to judge created things according to divine truth, to mourn the misuse of creation, and to turn from false loves toward the true fountain of God. Together, these readings call us to humility, holy longing, and a faith that judges the world rightly without mistaking it for God.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Unity of the Church, Sections 17–21Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 10 (Section 25)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 9 (Articles 1–4 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: June 4 04.07.2026 11นาที

  Today’s readings press us into the difference between outward religious appearance and inward faithfulness to God. Cyprian continues On the Unity of the Church by warning that prayer, sacrifice, confession, and even suffering cannot excuse loveless discord, because the Church cannot be torn apart in the name of Christ while ignoring Christ’s command to love. Augustine then recounts his famous moment with Monica at Ostia, where their conversation rises beyond bodily things, beyond the heavens, and even beyond their own minds as they briefly touch, with the whole effort of the heart, the eternal Wisdom of God. Aquinas completes the day by describing understanding as a gift of the Holy Spirit, not replacing faith, but deepening it, helping the faithful perceive divine truth more clearly, resist error, and prepare the heart for the vision of God. Together, these readings remind us that Christian truth is not merely confessed with the mouth; it must form charity, lift the heart, and deepen the soul’s grasp of God.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Unity of the Church, Sections 13–16Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 10 (Section 24)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 8 (Articles 1–8 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: June 3 03.07.2026 12นาที

  Today’s readings show how faith protects, purifies, and lifts the soul toward God. Cyprian continues On the Unity of the Church by contrasting the gentleness of the dove with the violence of wolves, warning that heresy and schism often arise from restless, divided hearts that misuse Scripture and separate themselves from the Church’s unity. Augustine then recalls a quiet moment with Monica at Ostia, where mother and son speak together about the eternal life of the saints and open “the mouth of the heart” toward the fountain of life in God. Aquinas completes the theme by showing that faith produces fear and purification: fear because faith recognizes God’s judgment, and purification because faith submits the mind to divine truth and, when formed by love, cleanses the heart. Together, these readings remind us that true faith does not merely defend doctrine from the outside; it brings the heart into unity, peace, reverence, and longing for God.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Unity of the Church, Sections 9–12Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 10 (Section 23)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 7 (Articles 1–2 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 2 02.07.2026 11นาที

  Today’s readings circle around unity, peace, and the gift of faith. Cyprian continues On the Unity of the Church by pressing the image of the Church as one body, one mother, one house, and one undivided garment of Christ, warning that schism is not a small wound but a rupture from the unity Christ gives to His people. Augustine then remembers Monica as a peacemaker, someone who refused to carry hostile words from one person to another and instead used her speech to extinguish conflict rather than inflame it. Aquinas turns to the cause of faith, teaching that faith requires both the outward presentation of truth and the inward movement of the soul by God, so that even lifeless faith is from God insofar as it assents to truth, though only faith formed by love leads the soul toward salvation. Together, these readings show that the Christian life is held together by unity, peace-making speech, and grace-given faith.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — On the Unity of the Church, Sections 5–8Augustine — The Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 9 (Section 21)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 6 (Articles 1–2 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #ThroughTheChurchFathers