A Guide to the Teachings of the Early Church Fathers - by Robert R Williams (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Christian Church has continually looked to its beginnings to discover new insights and new strength for the present. Today the interest in early Christianity and its leaders is as lively as it ever was. Those who know these early days never tire in calling today's Church back to the Scriptures and the Spirit directed history of the Church. In this book, Dr. Williams has given the preacher, teacher, and concerned layman a very readable, concise, and helpful guide to the teachings of the early Church leaders. He communicates the exciting quality of Christian theology as it came to expression in the thought and life of men to whom the Christian Church today is greatly in debt, and from whom, with humility, it can continue to learn and find inspirations. The early Church Fathers were concerned, in the words of the Apostle Peter, to make a defense to anyone who called them to account for the hope that was in them. They were concerned, as the Church is today, to understand the faith for themselves and to explain it to those outside the Church. Their answers to the following problems are still relevant: the relationship of God to all the world, redemption, the Trinity, the person of Christ, the relationship between God's will and man's, and the problem of church and state. Today the Church still possesses the faith that overcomes the world and seeks to practice that faith in all of life. Twentieth century Christians can be strengthened in that possession and practice through an acquaintance with the teachings of the early Church Fathers. This book will guide them.

Review Quotes

"Dr. Williams treads his way through a very difficult subject with considerable skill. He makes the doctrinal disputes of these early centuries come alive. His own standpoint is certainly that of historical, orthodox Christianity.... His style is good and the book has been carefully prepared."
- Dr. William T. Radius
Professor of Classical Languages
Calvin College

"This book is equal to a course in Church history. It is a fine scholarly achievement with adequate bibliography, and it easy to read."
- Harold J. Ockenga
Minister, Park Street Church of Boston

"A very useful book, scholarly and comprehensive."
- Dr. Frank E. Gaebelein
Headmaster, Story Brook School