Through the Church Fathers

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  Through the Church Fathers: July 30 29.07.2026 12dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 16 16.09.2026 14dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 15 15.09.2026 13dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 14 14.09.2026 15dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 13 13.09.2026 14dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 12 12.09.2026 12dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 11 11.09.2026 11dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 10 10.09.2026 11dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 8 08.09.2026 9dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 7 07.09.2026 11dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 6 05.09.2026 12dk

  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
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 5 05.09.2026 12dk

  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
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  Through the Church FathersL September 3 03.09.2026 13dk

  What do we owe to the truth — about doctrine, about ourselves, and about the praise we receive from others? Today's three readings approach that question from remarkably different angles. Athanasius, writing in the voice of Julius of Rome, presses the Eusebians on the one contradiction they cannot escape: they claim to honor councils while systematically dismantling the one council that condemned their allies. Augustine turns the same pressure inward, confessing the subtle danger of craving human approval — the snare of "well done, well done" — and pleading with God to be his glory rather than men's praise. And Thomas Aquinas, drawing from Question 109 of the Secunda Secundae, gives the structural account that underlies both: truthfulness is the virtue by which a person honestly presents himself to God and neighbor, avoiding the twin distortions of boasting and false modesty. Together, these readings ask whether we are willing to let truth cost us something.Today's Readings:Athanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos, Part 1, Sections 23–25Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 36 (Section 59)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 109Explore 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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #ChurchHistory #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Patristics #MedievalTheology #ChristianHistory #Truthfulness #CouncilOfNicaea #Arians #ChurchFathers #TheologicalReadings #CredoMinistries #CredoCourses
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 2 02.09.2026 11dk

  This section brings together three different voices addressing authority, humility, and justice. Athanasius records the letter of Julius of Rome, who sharply rebukes the Eusebians for refusing a council after they themselves had demanded one. Julius argues that those confident in the truth should welcome examination rather than fear it, and he exposes the inconsistency of men who appeal to church authority only when it serves their cause. Augustine turns inward and reflects on God's work of humbling the soul. Looking back on his own life, he recognizes that God first healed his desire to vindicate himself and then gently brought him under Christ's yoke, which once seemed burdensome but proved light and life-giving. Aquinas then addresses the difficult subject of vengeance, distinguishing sinful revenge from righteous punishment. True justice does not seek another person's suffering but the restoration of order, the correction of evil, and the good of the community. Together these readings remind us that Christian maturity requires submitting ourselves to judgment, surrendering our pride, and pursuing justice without hatred. Whether confronting false accusations, battling self-exaltation, or responding to wrongdoing, the believer is called to seek truth, humility, and the glory of God above personal vindication.Today's ReadingsAthanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians), Part 1, Chapter 2, Sections 21–22Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 36 (Section 58)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part, Question 108, Of VengeanceExplore 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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology #Patristics #NiceneChristianity #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Justice #Humility #Vengeance #HistoricalTheology #CredoHouse
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  Through the Church Fathers: September 1 01.09.2026 10dk

  Athanasius, Augustine, and Aquinas each confront a different form of spiritual disorder, yet all three readings point to the same need: a heart rightly ordered before God. Athanasius defends himself against false accusations and exposes the efforts of the Arians to gain power through slander, intimidation, and manipulation, reminding us that truth often suffers at the hands of those who seek influence rather than faithfulness. Augustine turns inward, confessing how easily the mind is distracted by trivial curiosities, even during prayer, and how quickly the heart wanders from God toward passing vanities. Aquinas then examines gratitude and ingratitude, teaching that thankfulness is more than good manners—it is the recognition of goodness received and the proper response to those who have blessed us. Together these readings reveal three dangers that continually threaten the Christian life: falsehood that corrupts the Church, distraction that weakens devotion, and ingratitude that hardens the soul. Against all three stands the grace of God, calling His people to truth, attentiveness, and thankful hearts.Today's ReadingsAthanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians), Part 1, Sections 18–20Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 35 (Section 57)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part, Questions 106–107, Of Gratitude and Ingratitude (Questions 106–107 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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology #Patristics #NiceneChristianity #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Gratitude #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #HistoricalTheology #CredoHouse
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  Through the Church Fathers: August 31 31.08.2026 12dk

  Through the Church FathersEvery generation must face the question of when submission becomes complicity. Today's readings place us inside that question with uncommon force. Athanasius writes from the eye of a storm — defending himself and his people against fabricated charges, exposing the political machinery behind theological persecution, and naming the Arian heresy as the true engine of violence against the Church. Augustine, in a brief but piercing passage from Book 10 of the Confessions, turns inward to confess the lingering temptations of curiosity and vain spiritual seeking — and to redirect his will entirely toward God. And Thomas Aquinas, drawing from Questions 104 and 105 of the Secunda Secundae, gives us the philosophical framework both men lived by: obedience is a great virtue precisely because its ultimate object is God, not man, and the refusal of an unjust command can itself be the highest act of faithfulness.Today's Readings:Athanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos, Part 1, Sections 15–18Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 35 (Section 56)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 104–105 (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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #ChurchHistory #Athanasius #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Patristics #MedievalTheology #ChristianHistory #Obedience #Arians #ChurchFathers #TheologicalReadings #CredoMinistries #CredoCourses
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  Through the Church Fathers: August 31 30.08.2026 14dk

  Podcast DescriptionWhat happens when lies are repeated often enough, backed by power, and dressed up in the appearance of justice? Athanasius presses on with his relentless defense, dismantling one fabricated charge after another — the mysterious broken chalice, the false presbyter Ischyras, and the rigged “investigation” that relied on enemies, heathens, and civil force while the accused was kept far away. Augustine turns inward to expose a more subtle danger: the restless curiosity that drives us to seek knowledge, novelty, and even morbid spectacles not for wisdom but for the thrill of experience — the “lust of the eyes” that can twist even religion into a demand for signs and wonders. Thomas Aquinas then gives us the proper order of honor: God alone receives latria (worship), while dulia (honor) is fittingly shown to parents, rulers, teachers, and saints as reflections of God’s own gifts.Together these readings sharpen our discernment: truth must be defended against calumny, the heart guarded against vain curiosity, and honor given where it is due — always pointing back to God.Today’s Readings:Athanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians), Part 1, Sections 11–14Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 35 (Section 55)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 103 — On Dulia (Combined Articles)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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #Aquinas #DefenseAgainstTheArians #LustOfTheEyes #Dulia #TrueWorship #EarlyChurch
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  Through the Church Fathers: August 29 29.08.2026 12dk

  Podcast DescriptionWhat does it look like to defend the truth when powerful enemies refuse to accept defeat? In this episode, Athanasius continues his fierce, point-by-point defense against false charges of murder and tyranny, exposing how his enemies manipulated councils, emperors, and public opinion in their attempt to silence him. Augustine confronts another subtle temptation — the restless curiosity of the eyes that seeks knowledge and novelty for its own sake rather than for the glory of God. Thomas Aquinas then clarifies the virtue of piety and observance, showing why we owe honor to parents, rulers, and those in authority as instruments of God’s providence. Together these readings challenge us to stand firm in truth, guard our hearts from distraction, and render to others the honor that justice and reverence require.Today’s Readings:Athanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians), Part 1, Sections 8–10Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 35 (Section 54)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 101–102 — On Piety and Observances (Combined Questions)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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #Aquinas #DefenseAgainstTheArians #Piety #TrueWorship #EarlyChurch
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  Through the Church Fathers: August 28 28.08.2026 13dk

  Podcast DescriptionWhat does it cost to defend the truth when powerful enemies will stop at nothing to silence you? In this episode, Athanasius continues his bold defense against relentless false accusations of murder, violence, and tyranny, exposing the conspiracy behind his repeated exiles while refusing to compromise the faith. Augustine turns inward with raw honesty, confessing how the beauty of created things can captivate the eyes and pull the soul away from God, even as he learns to praise the Creator through His gifts. Thomas Aquinas then cuts through confusion with sharp precision, explaining why perjury, sacrilege, and simony are grave sins that dishonor God by corrupting truth, sacred things, and spiritual gifts. Together these readings challenge us to stand firm in truth, guard our hearts from distraction, and reverence God with integrity.Today’s Readings:Athanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians), Part 1, Sections 5–7Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 34 (Section 53)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 98–100 — On Perjury, Sacrilege, and Simony (Combined Questions)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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #Aquinas #DefenseAgainstTheArians #TrueWorship #Perjury #Sacrilege #Simony
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  Through the Church Fathers: August 26 26.08.2026 14dk

  Podcast DescriptionWhat does it mean to truly know and worship the one true God? In this episode, Hippolytus of Rome delivers a powerful defense of the incarnation and the distinction of the Persons in the Trinity, refuting the modalist error of Noetus with clarity and passion. Augustine continues his transparent self-examination, confessing how the beauty of sacred music can lift the soul to God while also tempting the senses toward distraction. Thomas Aquinas then brings sharp theological precision, explaining why divination and superstitious practices are always sinful, as they seek knowledge or power through means that belong to God alone. Together these readings call us to reject every human distortion of God and to worship Him faithfully as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.Today’s Readings:Hippolytus of Rome — Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Sections 15–18Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 34 (Section 51)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 95 — On Divination (Combined Articles)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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Hippolytus #Augustine #Aquinas #Trinity #Incarnation #TrueWorship #Divination