Through the Church Fathers

ตอน

• 
  Through the Church Fathers: July 30 29.07.2026 12นาที

  Today’s readings press us toward evidence, attention, and wise action. Tertullian continues Against Marcion by arguing that a god with nothing to show for himself is no god at all; the Creator is known through His works, while Marcion’s supposed higher god has no creation, no witness, and no worthy ground for faith. Augustine then reflects on learning as a gathering of the mind, showing that thought is not merely receiving images through the senses, but collecting, ordering, and bringing forward truths already held within the memory. Aquinas closes by beginning the section on prudence, teaching that virtue needs more than good desire: it needs right reason applied to action, so that courage, mercy, correction, and generosity are carried out in the right way, at the right time, and for the right end. Together, these readings remind us that the true God is not without witness, the mind must be trained to gather truth carefully, and the good life requires wisdom in action.Today’s Readings:Tertullian — Against Marcion, Book 1, Chapters 11–12Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 11 (Section 18)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 47–48 (Prudence and Its Parts 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 #Tertullian #Augustine #Aquinas #Marcion #Memory #Prudence #Theology #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 24 24.09.2026 14นาที

  Today’s Readings Podcast DescriptionWhen novelty rises in the Church, what must we do? Vincent of Lérins shows us the steadfast example of Pope Stephen, who answered the push for rebaptism with a simple rule: “Let there be no innovation—only what has been handed down.” In these chapters he defends the ancient faith against the danger of new teachings, warning that even gifted and persuasive error must fall when it departs from what the Church has always received. Alongside him, Augustine refuses the mocking answer to the question of what God was doing before creation, and Aquinas teaches us how abstinence, fasting, and the vice of gluttony order the desires of the body under the rule of reason.Readings: Vincent of Lérins — The Commonitory, Chapters 6–8 (Sections 15–22) Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 12 (Section 14) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 146–148 (Abstinence, Fasting, and Gluttony)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 #ThroughTheChurchFathers #VincentOfLerins #Commonitorium #Augustine #Confessions #ThomasAquinas #SummaTheologica #RuleOfFaith #Abstinence #Fasting
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 23 23.09.2026 16นาที

  Today’s Readings Podcast DescriptionHow do we hold the faith when new teachings press in from every side? Vincent of Lérins gives us a clear and enduring rule: what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all. In these opening chapters of the Commonitory, he shows why Scripture must be read with the Church, why novelty is dangerous, and how the ancient faith once rescued the Church from the storm of Arianism. Alongside him, Augustine lifts our eyes to the eternity of God that stands outside of time, and Aquinas teaches us how shamefacedness and honesty guard the beauty of a temperate life.Readings: Vincent of Lérins — The Commonitory, Chapters 1–5 (Sections 1–14) Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 11 (Section 13) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 144–145 (Shamefacedness and Honesty)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 #ThroughTheChurchFathers #VincentOfLerins #Commonitorium #Augustine #Confessions #ThomasAquinas #SummaTheologica #RuleOfFaith #Temperance
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 22 22.09.2026 14นาที

  Today’s Readings Podcast DescriptionTemperance is the virtue that keeps the strongest bodily desires under the rule of reason. In these questions from Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, he shows why the pleasures of food, drink, and sexual union need a special virtue to moderate them. Temperance is a cardinal virtue because these desires most powerfully resist the good of the soul. Intemperance exceeds the measure of reason; insensibility falls short of it. The virtue itself is one, yet it has many parts—shame and honesty, abstinence and chastity, and other related strengths—by which the whole life of desire is ordered according to reason.Readings: Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 141–143 (Temperance, the Vices Opposed to It, and Its Parts)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 #ThroughTheChurchFathers #ThomasAquinas #SummaTheologica #Temperance #Virtue #CardinalVirtues
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 21 21.09.2026 11นาที

  Today’s Readings Podcast DescriptionTemperance is the virtue that keeps the strongest bodily desires under the rule of reason. In this question from Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, he shows why the pleasures of food, drink, and sexual union need a special virtue to moderate them. Temperance is a cardinal virtue because these desires most powerfully resist the good of the soul. It does not destroy desire, but holds it within the measure that reason determines, so that the soul remains free for higher goods.Readings: Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 141 (Temperance)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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #ThomasAquinas #SummaTheologica #Temperance #Virtue #CardinalVirtues
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 20 20.09.2026 12นาที

  Today’s Readings Podcast DescriptionThe Christian life requires more than a good beginning. In these questions from Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, he shows how patience preserves the soul under present hardship, how perseverance carries a good work to its proper end, and how the gift of fortitude strengthens us beyond ordinary human measure by the Holy Spirit. Softness abandons the work too soon; stubbornness refuses to yield when reason requires change. The precepts of fortitude command us to stand firm in the truth and to endure to the end. Together these virtues and the Spirit’s gift keep the soul steady until the work is finished.Readings: Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 136–140 (Patience, Perseverance, the Gift of Fortitude, and the Precepts of Fortitude)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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #ThomasAquinas #SummaTheologica #Patience #Perseverance #Fortitude #Virtue
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 19 19.09.2026 13นาที

  Today’s Readings Podcast DescriptionPatience and perseverance strengthen the soul for the long work of the Christian life. In these questions from Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, he shows that patience preserves us from being disordered by present hardship, while perseverance enables us to continue a good work until it is rightly completed. Softness abandons the task too soon; stubbornness refuses to yield when reason requires a change. Together these virtues keep the soul steady under both suffering and the passage of time.Readings: Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 136–137 (Patience and Perseverance)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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #ThomasAquinas #SummaTheologica #Patience #Perseverance #Virtue
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 18 18.09.2026 13นาที

  Vindication, the eternal Word, and the wise use of great resources come together in today’s readings. Athanasius presents further evidence that the charges against him had collapsed: Constantine condemns the Meletians for accusing him of murdering men who were still alive, Arsenius seeks peace and communion with the Catholic Church, and John is praised for abandoning division and reconciling with Athanasius. Augustine then reflects on the coeternal Word through whom God speaks all things at once and forever, while the created things brought forth by that Word arise in time rather than sharing God’s eternity. Aquinas closes by explaining magnificence as the virtue that completes great works through expenditure proportionate to their worth, while meanness damages those works by making the saving of money more important than their proper completion. Together, these readings show that truth brings hidden schemes into the light, creation rests in the eternal Word, and great works require both generosity and judgment.Today’s Readings:Athanasius — Defense Against the Arians, Part 2, Chapter 5, Sections 68–70Augustine — The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 7 (Section 9)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 134–135 (Questions 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #EternalWord #Creation #Magnificence #ChristianVirtue #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 17 17.09.2026 15นาที

  Here is the podcast description for the latest three readings:False testimony, the mystery of creation, and the danger of distorted greatness come together in today’s readings. Athanasius records how Ischyras admitted that the accusations against him had been forced and fabricated, while the supposed murder victim Arsenius was eventually discovered alive, exposing the conspiracy and disgracing those who had spread the charge. Augustine then asks how God created the world, concluding that creation did not come through a temporary, passing sound, but through the eternal Word who remains forever. Aquinas closes by examining the vices surrounding magnanimity: presumption reaches beyond one’s true capacity, ambition seeks honor wrongly, vainglory lives for empty praise, and pusillanimity refuses the great good one is genuinely equipped to accomplish. Together, these readings show that truth outlasts slander, creation rests in the eternal Word, and genuine greatness requires an honest judgment of both our limits and our gifts.Today’s Readings:Athanasius — Defense Against the Arians, Part 2, Chapter 5, Sections 64–67Augustine — The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 6 (Section 8)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 130–133 (Questions 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Creation #EternalWord #Magnanimity #Vainglory #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 16 16.09.2026 14นาที

  False accusations, creation, and greatness of soul come together in today’s readings. Athanasius recounts how Eusebius and the Meletians manufactured charges against him, only to see those accusations collapse before Constantine, who then condemned factionalism, envy, and ambition within the Church while affirming Athanasius as a man of God. Augustine turns to the mystery of creation and asks how God made heaven and earth, concluding that God did not work from preexisting matter or within an already existing place, but spoke all things into being through His eternal Word. Aquinas then explains the virtues connected to fortitude, especially magnanimity—the greatness of soul by which a person truthfully recognizes God-given ability and undertakes great works without falling into pride, presumption, or false humility. Together, these readings show how envy tears down, divine power creates from nothing, and true greatness faithfully uses what God has given.Today’s Readings:Athanasius — Defense Against the Arians, Part 2, Chapter 5, Sections 60–62Augustine — The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 5 (Section 7)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 128–129 (Questions 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Creation #Magnanimity #Fortitude #Arianism #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 15 15.09.2026 13นาที

  False accusations, the search for truth, and the discipline of courage come together in today’s readings. Athanasius preserves the remarkable recantation of Ursacius and Valens, who admit that their charges against him were fabricated, renounce Arianism, and seek communion with the man they had helped condemn. He then begins tracing the controversy back to its roots in the Meletian schism and the alliance formed between the Meletians and the Arian party. Augustine turns to the opening words of Genesis and asks how he can know that Moses spoke truth, concluding that eternal Truth speaks inwardly beyond Hebrew, Greek, or Latin, while heaven and earth themselves testify that they were created by God. Aquinas then explains how fortitude governs both fear and daring, avoiding not only cowardice but also foolish fearlessness and reckless boldness. Together, these readings remind us that truth may be distorted by conspiracy, discovered through divine illumination, and defended only when fear and confidence are both ruled by reason.Today’s Readings:Athanasius — Defense Against the Arians, The Recantation of Ursacius and Valens; Part 2, Chapter 5, Section 59Augustine — The Confessions, Book 11, Chapters 3–4 (Sections 5–6)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 125–127 (Questions 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Arianism #Genesis #Creation #Fortitude #ChristianCourage #ChurchHistory
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 14 14.09.2026 15นาที

  Restoration, desire, and faithful witness stand at the center of today’s readings. Athanasius recounts the imperial and ecclesiastical acts that restored him to Alexandria, erased the decrees issued against him, reunited him with the Church, and even brought former accusers to repentance. Augustine prays that the hidden things of Scripture may be opened to him, declaring that his deepest desire is not for earthly wealth, honor, or pleasure, but to seek Christ in the books of Moses and throughout the Word of God. Aquinas then presents martyrdom as the highest act of fortitude: faith supplies the truth confessed, charity gives the motive to endure, and courage keeps the believer steadfast even when that witness is sealed by death. Together, these readings show that truth may be opposed for a time, but it must still be sought, defended, and confessed without surrender.Today’s Readings:Athanasius — Defense Against the Arians, Chapter 4, Sections 54–58Augustine — The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 2 (Section 4)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 124 (Articles 1–5 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Martyrdom #Fortitude #Confessions #CouncilOfSardica #ChristianCourage #ChurchHistory
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 13 13.09.2026 14นาที

  Exile, longing, and courage come together in today’s readings. Athanasius recounts the imperial letters that finally summoned him home after persecution and exile, followed by Julius of Rome’s joyful announcement to the church at Alexandria that their bishop was returning vindicated by the judgment of the council. Augustine then prays for time, purity, and humility as he turns to the hidden depths of Scripture, asking God to keep him from being deceived in the text or deceiving others through it. Aquinas closes the reading by defining fortitude as the virtue that keeps a person faithful to reason and the good even under fear, suffering, and the threat of death. Together, these readings show that truth must be endured, Scripture must be approached with reverence, and courage is not the absence of fear but steadfastness in the face of it.Today’s Readings:Athanasius — Defense Against the Arians, Chapter 4, Sections 51–53Augustine — The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 2 (Sections 2–3)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 123 (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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Fortitude #ChristianCourage #Confessions #Scripture #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 12 12.09.2026 12นาที

  When the Church faces slander, doctrinal corruption, and disorder, truth must be defended clearly—but confession, worship, and justice must also begin in the heart. Athanasius records the judgment of the Council of Sardica, which declared him and other falsely accused bishops innocent, condemned those who had seized their churches, and called bishops throughout the world to stand together against Arianism. Augustine explains why he confesses to a God who already knows everything: not to inform God, but to awaken love in himself and in those who read. Aquinas then shows how the Ten Commandments form the basic structure of justice, teaching us to give God, parents, and neighbor what is properly due to them. Together, these readings show that truth must be defended publicly, confessed personally, and practiced justly.Today’s Readings:Athanasius — Defense Against the Arians, Sections 49–50Augustine — The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 1 (Section 1)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 122 (Articles 1–6 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #CouncilOfSardica #Arianism #Confessions #TenCommandments #ChristianTheology #ChurchHistory
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 11 11.09.2026 11นาที

  When Lies, Fear, and Money Take ControlWhat happens when false accusations control the Church, fear makes us want to run away, and money quietly takes control of the heart? In today’s readings, Athanasius exposes a campaign of slander in which fabricated evidence, undeserved titles, political intimidation, and threats were used to silence orthodox bishops and condemn innocent men. Augustine then turns inward, confessing that the weight of his sins nearly drove him into isolation, until Christ’s death gave him the courage to cast his burdens upon God and continue serving others. Finally, Aquinas examines 2 opposite disorders involving wealth: covetousness, which clings too tightly to possessions, and prodigality, which gives or spends without wisdom. Together, these readings remind us that truth requires courage, despair must be answered by Christ, and faithful stewardship means neither worshiping money nor wasting what God has entrusted to us.Readings:Athanasius of Alexandria — Defense Against the Arians, Sections 46–48Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 43, Section 70Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Questions 118–119: Covetousness and ProdigalityExplore the Project:https://throughthechurchfathers.comhttps://credohouse.orghttps://credocourses.comhttps://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton#ChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #ChristianHistory #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Covetousness #Prodigality #Faith #Truth #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 10 10.09.2026 11นาที

  Today's readings all point to one central truth: everything depends on Jesus Christ. The Council of Sardica reminds us that truth ultimately triumphs over slander. The Arians could spread accusations from a distance, but when confronted with witnesses and evidence, they fled rather than defend their claims. Augustine then directs our attention away from every false mediator to the one true Mediator, Jesus Christ, who alone is fully God and fully man and therefore alone able to reconcile sinners to a holy God. Aquinas shows what this reconciliation produces in the believer's life. Because Christ has given Himself freely for us, we learn to hold our possessions with open hands. True liberality is not measured by the amount we give, but by a heart that recognizes everything belongs to God and faithfully stewards His gifts for His glory and the good of others. These three readings move from the defense of Christ's Church, to the sufficiency of Christ's person, to the transformation Christ works in those who belong to Him.PodcastIn today's readings, the Church stands at a crossroads. Athanasius and the bishops at Sardica remind us that lies may gain influence for a season, but they cannot survive honest examination. Augustine then asks the most important question of all: Who can reconcile sinful people to a holy God? His answer is the heart of the Christian faith—Jesus Christ alone, the God-man who became both Priest and Sacrifice on our behalf. Finally, Aquinas reminds us that the gospel changes not only what we believe but also how we live. A heart captivated by Christ no longer clings tightly to earthly possessions but views everything as a gift entrusted by God. Truth, salvation, and faithful stewardship all flow from the same source: the gracious work of Christ.Today's ReadingsAthanasius of Alexandria — Defense Against the Arians, Encyclical Letter of the Council of Sardica, Sections 44–45Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 43 (Sections 68–69)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part, Question 117, Of LiberalityExplore 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Confessions #SummaTheologica #ChurchHistory #Patristics #ChristianTheology #JesusChrist #Mediator #Liberality #Stewardship #Gospel #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 8 08.09.2026 9นาที

  Truth, peace, and ordinary kindness all belong together in the Christian life. In today's readings, Athanasius recounts how the false charge that he had murdered Arsenius collapsed when Arsenius appeared alive, and the council urged the Alexandrian church to receive Athanasius back with joy while honoring those who had suffered for the faith. Augustine then searches for rest beyond the visible world, memory, and self-reflection, finding that the soul has no safe resting place except in God, even while old habits continue to pull him downward. Aquinas brings the theme into daily life by describing friendliness as a real virtue: the grace of speaking and acting fittingly toward others, giving pleasure where we can, avoiding needless offense, and still refusing to flatter or approve what is evil. Together these readings remind us that Christian peace is not passive. It defends the innocent, rests in God, and treats others with truth-governed charity.Today's ReadingsAthanasius of Alexandria — Defense Against the Arians, Sections 38–40Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 40 (Section 65)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part, Question 114, Of FriendlinessExplore 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Friendliness #ChristianVirtue #ChurchHistory #Patristics #ChristianTheology #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 7 07.09.2026 11นาที

  Today's readings all expose the same subtle danger: the temptation to care more about appearances than reality. Athanasius recounts how the Council of Sardica vindicated him, not through political influence or intimidation, but by insisting on open evidence, fair procedure, and the truth. Augustine then turns the searchlight inward, confessing that even the desire to reject pride can itself become a source of pride, and that the greatest battle is learning to delight in God's gifts without making them the basis of self-exaltation. Aquinas concludes by showing that false modesty is no virtue at all. Just as boasting exaggerates God's gifts, false modesty denies them. True humility neither inflates nor diminishes the truth—it gratefully acknowledges every good gift as coming from God and returns all glory to Him. Together these readings remind us that God is not calling us to look humble, but to become truthful before Him, whether in our words, our reputation, or our hearts. Pasted text.txtToday's ReadingsAthanasius of Alexandria — Defense Against the Arians, Historical Introduction and Section 37Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapters 38–39 (Sections 63–64)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part, Question 113, Of Irony (False Modesty)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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Humility #Truthfulness #FalseModesty #ChurchHistory #Patristics #ChristianTheology #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 6 05.09.2026 12นาที

  Conflict in the Church rarely begins with doctrine alone—it often grows from pride, reputation, and the desire to be proven right. In today's readings, Athanasius closes Julius's defense by pleading for the restoration of peace through justice, insisting that accusations be heard fairly, the apostolic canons be honored, and churches be reunited under their rightful shepherds. Augustine continues his relentless self-examination, asking whether he truly cares about his neighbor's good or whether his wounded pride simply disguises itself as virtue. Aquinas then examines boasting, distinguishing the honest acknowledgment of God's gifts from the sinful desire to magnify ourselves. Together, these readings remind us that truth without humility becomes self-promotion, while humility without truth becomes pretense. Christ calls His Church to something better: a love of truth that seeks neither personal glory nor victory over others, but the peace and unity of His body.Today's ReadingsAthanasius of Alexandria — Defense Against the Arians, Sections 33–36Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 37 (Section 62)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part, Question 112, Of BoastingExplore 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Boasting #Humility #Truth #ChurchHistory #Patristics #ChristianTheology #ThroughTheChurchFathers
• 
  Through the Church Fathers: September 5 05.09.2026 12นาที

  The desire for approval can quietly shape our lives in ways we scarcely recognize. In today's readings, Athanasius argues that the true test of justice is not political power or public accusation but whether the Church follows the apostolic canons with fairness and integrity. Augustine continues his searching examination of the heart, confessing that although he loves truth more than praise, he still finds his joy increased by approval and diminished by criticism, leaving him humbled before God. Aquinas then explores hypocrisy, showing that it is more than mere dishonesty—it is the attempt to appear holier than we truly are in order to gain the esteem of others. Together, these readings expose a common temptation: seeking the approval of people instead of resting in the approval of God, whose judgment alone sees the heart without deception.Today's ReadingsAthanasius of Alexandria — Defense Against the Arians, Sections 29–32Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 37 (Section 61)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part, Question 111, Of Dissimulation and HypocrisyExplore 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 #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Hypocrisy #Truthfulness #ChristianTheology #ChurchHistory #Patristics #ThroughTheChurchFathers