Books on the Church Fathers
The term church fathers refers to Christian writers and theologians of the first eight centuries of the Christian church, especially the period of development up to 451 AD. The church fathers are of great importance to Christianity because they formulated nearly all of the Christian doctrine that is accepted by Christians today. They interpreted the Bible in light of challenges from Greek thought and various heretical movements, determined Christianity's relationship to Judaism, elaborated on theological concepts such as the Trinity and salvation, and established the structure and organization of the church.
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Early Church Fathers: The Ante-Nicene Fathers (14 vols.) by Philip Schaff (ed.) These writings of the church fathers represent the first primary sources of Christian history following the canon of the New Testament, and as such are invaluable resources for the serious student of the early Christian history, doctrine, and ethics. The Ante-Nicene Fathers ranges from the Apostolic Fathers to various third and fourth century sources including the liturgies and ancient Syriac documents. Includes Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Hermas, Irenaeus, Tertullian and Hippolytus. |
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Early Church Fathers: The Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers Series I (14 vols.) by Philip Schaff (ed.) Series I of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers consists of eight volumes of the writings of St. Augustine, the greatest and most influential of the early Church Fathers, and six volumes of the treatises and homilies of St. Chrysostom, one of the great preachers of the early church. The series is edited by the eminent church historian Philip Schaff (1819-1893), professor at Union Theological Seminary, New York. |
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Early Church Fathers: The Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers Series II (14 vols.) by Philip Schaff (ed.) The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers Series II contains in fourteen volumes the works of the Greek Fathers from Eusebius to John of Damascus and the Latin Fathers from Hilary to Gregory the Great. Several of the writings appear for the first time in English. The first three volumes are a complete collection of the historical writings of the Fathers, whose permanent value as the primary sources is universally acknowledged. Other volumes contain the works of eminent figures in early Christian history, such as Athanasius, Jerome, and Ambrose. The series concludes with the canons and decrees of the seven ecumenical councils, as well as canons of local synod with ecumenical acceptance. |
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Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers by Christopher A. Hall Who were the church fathers? Why should we read their works? In this fascinating introduction to patristic commentary, Hall examines the writings of Augustine, Athanasius, Chrysostom, and others to show how they interpreted the Bible in the centuries after it was first written. His analysis will help you understand and apply ancient insights from the early church. 168 pages, softcover from InterVarsity. ISBN: 0830815007. |
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Learning Theology with the Church Fathers by Christopher A. Hall Immensely gifted theologians, the early church fathers were often working pastors who defined many of Christianity's formative doctrines---the Trinity, the incarnation, the church---within the crucible of spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and cultural conflict. Sit under the instruction of these great teachers as they weave the spiritual exercise of theology throughout the fabric of life. 296 pages, softcover from InterVarsity. ISBN: 0830826866. |
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Early Christian Writings (Penguin Classics) by
Maxwell Staniforth (ed.) Early Christian Writings is an excellent collection of the works of the Post-Apostolic Church Fathers. It is for anyone looking for literature that opens a window into the Post-Apostolic Early Church. The epistles included are The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians; The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Romans, Philadelphians, Smyrnaeans, and to Polycarp; The Epistles of Polycarp to the Philippians; along with the Epistles to Diognetus and Barnabas. The book also includes the Didache and the martyrdom of Polycarp. ISBN: 0140444750. |
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The First Christian Theologians: An Introduction to Theology in the Early Church by G.R. Evans (ed.) What happened, theologically speaking, during the first 500 years of Christianity? Leading academics introduce you to major thinkers, significant controversies, the role of ecumenical councils, and the way the canon was shaped against rival positions in Judaism and Greco-Roman philosophy. 296 pages, softcover. |
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