saints
Biographical and theological reflections on notable Christians throughout history.
EARLY CHRISTIANS ON MATT. 27:52-53 Paid Members Public
Matthew reports that after Christ died an earthquake occurred which caused the tombs of a group of believers to split open. These believers then came back to life on the third day and appeared to many in the holy city: “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and
LUTHER ON MARY’S SINLESSNESS Paid Members Public
The following citation is from Luther’s On the Conception of the Mother of God, AD 1527: “The conception, namely the infusion of the soul, is believed to have taken place gently and blessedly, without original sin coming upon her; so that in the infusion of the soul she was
JEROME, RELICS & INTERCESSION Paid Members Public
I quote St. Jerome’s letter to the presbyter Riparius where he rebukes the prohibition of venerating relics. All emphasis is mine. LETTER 109 To Riparius Riparius, a presbyter of Aquitaine had written to inform Jerome that Vigilantius (for whom see Letter LXI.) was preaching in southern Gaul against the
IGNATIUS ON THE EUCHARIST Paid Members Public
In this post I will cite the words of the blessed martyr and disciple of the holy Apostles, St. Ignatius in regards to the Eucharist. He was the bishop of the church in Antioch, the place where believers were first called Christians (Cf. Acts 11:26). His views on the
Follow up Q & A on Justin Martyr Paid Members Public
Rev. Dr. Christiaan Kappes Questions have come to me about alleged difficulties still left unanswered after my article on St. Justin Martyr proving a difference between “another God” (heteros theos) – meaning a personal difference in the same essence – and “other god” (allos theos) – meaning another essence numerically distinct and separate
EPIPHANIUS & SACRED TRADITION Paid Members Public
The following is taken from 4th century Christian apologist and theologian Epiphanius of Salamis, and highlights the importance of sacred tradition in the early Church: 6,4 However, none of the sacred words need an allegorical interpretation of their meaning; they need examination, and the perception to understand the force
JUSTIN MARTYR & COPYCAT RELIGIONS Paid Members Public
The second century AD Christian apologist and martyr Justin Martyr addressed the issue of the pagan copycat religions and their resemblance to the Christian faith. He argued that the pagan myths were satanic corruptions of biblical prophecies announcing the coming of the Lord Jesus, in order to mislead people from
ATHANASIUS ON THE “APOCRYPHA” Paid Members Public
COURTESY OF CATHOLIC APOLOGIST WILLIAM ALBRECHT Contrary to the assertions of certain Protestant apologists, Athanasius did quote from the deutero-canonical writings as inspired Scripture, often citing them along with the proto-canonical books without making any distinction between them. In this post I will share several examples from Athanasius’ writings to