catholicism

Broader examinations of Catholic theology, tradition, and doctrinal claims in light of Scripture.

Origen, Susanna & OT Canon Members Public

I share Origen’s defense of the canonicity of the “History of Susanna,” which all the ancient apostolic communions accept as sacred Scripture. Origen refutes the objections raised against the book’s authenticity, and explains why the Jews rejected it. In his response, Origen shows his great familiarity with the

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
canonapocryphadaniel

Augustine on the Holy Eucharist Members Public

According to noted Protestant historian J.N.D Kelly, St. Augustine did indeed affirm that the Eucharist does in fact become the actual flesh, body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: If Ambrose’s influence helped to mediate the doctrine of a physical change to the West,

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
eucharistcatholicismchurch-history

Polycarp, Pope Anicetus, Irenaeus & Easter Members Public

Church historian Eusebius recorded the early controversy that arose among the faithful in respect to the celebration of Easter. Some Christians such as Polycarp insisted that the Church should follow the example within the Gospels by observing it on the fourteenth day of Nisan, which is the date fixed by

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
easterchurch-historypassover

Chrysostom & Petrine Primacy Members Public

I share some of the many statements from St. John Chrysostom, one of the greatest saints biblical exegetes of the Church, affirming the primacy of Peter. These citations attest that Chrysostom held to Peter being the Rock and Leaders of the universal Church, having been given a preeminence over the

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historycatholicismorthodoxy

More Early Church Quotes On Baptism Members Public

I present additional quotes from some of the church’s greatest theologians and scholars on the necessity and centrality of water baptism for regeneration, salvation, and forgiveness of sins. All emphasis will be mine. St. Hilary of Poitiers 57. Keep, I pray You, this my pious faith undefiled, and even

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
baptismchurch-historysalvation

Early Church, Monarchy & Hierarchy Members Public

The list of quotes cited here is taken from David W. Bercot’s A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, published by Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, Massachusetts in 1998, pp. 255-262. The author will mention the particular volume and page number of the ten-volume set of The Ante-Nicene Fathers, ed. Alexander Roberts

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historychurchchristianity

Early Church, Filioque & Origen Members Public

The list of quotes cited here is taken from David W. Bercot’s A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, published by Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, Massachusetts in 1998, pp. 561-562. The author will mention the particular volume and page number of the ten-volume set of The Ante-Nicene Fathers, ed. Alexander Roberts

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historytrinityholy-spirit

Jesus’ “Brothers” & Mary’s Virginity Members Public

In this post I will be extracting the statements made by José M. Pedrozo in his article The “Brothers of Jesus and his Mother’s Virginity”, published in The Thomist: A Speculative Quarterly Review, Volume 63, Number 1, January 1999, pp. 83-104. Pedroza demonstrates that the view held by Epiphanius

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
maryjesuscatholicism
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