The History of the Christian Church - 2000 Years of Christian Thought.

Send us a Text Message.Episode Notes:1. Welcome and Introduction.2. Biography. 2.1 Overview.2.2 Early Life.2.3 Bishop of Caesarea.3. Works (His Literary Legacy)3.1. Biblical Textual Criticism:3.2. The Chronicle:3.3. Church History:3.4. Life of Constantine:3.5. Minor Historical Works:3.6. Apologetic and Dogmatic Works:3.7. Exegetical Works:4. His Doctrine.5. Legacy.6.   Summary and Conclusion.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessCyprian (c210-258 AD)  The Martyr/Bishop. 1.     Introduction2.     Biography. 2.1 Overview.  2.2 Early Life. 2.3 The Decian Persecution and the Controversy over the lapsed3.     Writings. 4.     Theology. 4.1 Sacraments: 4.2 The Church:5.     Final Persecution under Valerian.6.     Summary and Conclusion.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessOrigen (AD 185 -253) Christian Philosophy For the Masses.Episode Contents:1. Welcome2. Introduction and Overview.3. Biography.3.1 Early years3.2 Mid- Life Adventures..3.3 Later life.4. Works.4.1 Exegetical writings.4.2 Commentaries4.3 On the First Principles.4.4 Against Celsus.4.5 Other writings5. Origins Theological Views.5.1 The Position of Christ. (Christology).5.2 Cosmology and Eschatology5.3 Ethics.5.4 His Interpretation of Scripture.5.5 Trinitarian Theology.6. Influence on the Later Church6.1 Council of Constantinople.6.2 After the Anathemas.7 Summary.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessWelcome to  Episode  Six: Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215 A.D.): Greek Born Christian Philosopher and TheologianIntroduction In today's episode, I look at the life and teachings of a remarkable figure in early Christian thought, Clement of Alexandria. Born into a Pagan Greek family in the middle of the 2nd century, Clément's journey from paganism to Christianity was both profound and influential.BiographyClement's early life is shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts of his birthdate and birthplace. What we do know is that he was deeply immersed in Greek philosophy and literature before his conversion to Christianity. His extensive travels and encounters with various Christian teachers shaped his intellectual and spiritual development.Theological WorksClement's theological legacy is primarily preserved in three major works: The Protrepticus, The Paedagogus, and The Stromata. Each of these works offers a unique perspective on Christian doctrine and practice, reflecting Clement's deep engagement with both Greek philosophy and Christian theology.Key Themes in Clement's TheologyThroughout his writings, Clement grapples with a wide range of theological themes, including:Gnosis: Clement introduces the concept of "gnosis," a form of spiritual and mystical knowledge that complements faith in Christian salvation.Philosophy: He seeks to reconcile Greek philosophical insights with biblical teachings, laying the groundwork for Christian philosophical theology.Universalism: Clement advocates for the eventual salvation of all humanity, emphasizing God's redemptive love and corrective punishment.Education: He emphasizes the importance of disciplining the soul and integrating Greek learning with Christian spirituality.Legacy and CriticismDespite his widespread acclaim, Clement's theological legacy is not without controversy. Some critics have raised concerns about his ambivalence towards certain heresies and the influence of Greek philosophical ideas on his theology.ConclusionClement of Alexandria remains a towering figure in the history of the Christian church, admired for his intellectual rigor and spiritual insights. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the life and teachings of Clement of Alexandria. Stay tuned for more episodes of 2000 years of Christian thought, A History of the Christian Church..Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessEpisode Notes:Welcome to todays episode where we  explore the Life and Wisdom of Irenaeus." In this podcast, we delve into the profound insights and enduring legacy of one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, Irenaeus of Lyons. Join us as we journey through the life, writings, and thought of this ancient theologian, whose profound reflections on theology, spirituality, and the Christian faith continue to resonate with relevance in the contemporary world.Through analysis, historical context, and discussions, I aim to shed light on the enduring relevance of Irenaeus' teachings and their significance for modern believers and seekers alike. Join us as we uncover the echoes of antiquity in the wisdom of Irenaeus.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Season One - Episode Four.Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessEpisode Notes:Tertullian, an influential Christian theologian and apologist from the early church period (circa 155-240 AD), made several enduring contributions to the modern Christian church through his life and beliefs.Theological Formulation: Tertullian's theological writings, such as his formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity, have had a lasting impact on Christian theology. His precise articulation of core Christian beliefs continues to inform the doctrines of many Christian denominations today.Apologetics: Tertullian's defence of Christianity against contemporary criticisms laid the groundwork for the field of Christian apologetics. His rigorous defence of the faith provided a model for future apologists, helping to strengthen the intellectual foundations of Christianity.Ethical and Moral Emphasis: Tertullian's emphasis on moral living and ethical conduct has influenced Christian ethics throughout history. His writings on issues such as marriage, humility, and martyrdom continue to inspire believers to live lives of virtue and integrity.Ecclesiastical Authority: Tertullian's writings on church leadership and ecclesiastical structure contributed to the development of hierarchical organization within the Christian church. His thoughts on the roles of clergy and laity helped shape the institutional structure of the church.Devotional Literature: Tertullian's spiritual writings, including prayers and devotional meditations, continue to inspire Christians in their personal spiritual journeys. His reflections on prayer, repentance, and the Christian life offer timeless wisdom for believers seeking a deeper relationship with God.Overall, Tertullian's life and beliefs have left a lasting positive impact on the modern Christian church, shaping its theology, ethics, apologetics, ecclesiastical structure, and devotional practices. His contributions continue to enrich the faith of Christians around the world today.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every week.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comEpisode Notes Page:In today’s episode of "A History of the Christian Church," we explore the life and teachings of Justin Martyr, also known as Justin the Philosopher. Living from around AD 100 to AD 165, Justin played a significant role as an early Christian apologist and philosopher.Despite most of his works being lost to history, several surviving texts provide insights into his thoughts and beliefs. His first Apology passionately defends the morality of the Christian life, while his Dialogue with Trypho recounts a profound encounter that shaped his conversion to Christianity.Born near the biblical city of Shechem in modern-day Palestine, Justin was a Greek-influenced Hellenized Samaritan with a possible pagan heritage. His philosophical journey led him through various schools of thought before embracing Platonism, laying the foundation for his future writings.Justin's defense of Christianity was unwavering, leading him to found his own school in Rome during the reign of Antoninus Pius. However, his opposition to pagan beliefs and refusal to sacrifice to idols ultimately led to his martyrdom under the rule of Marcus Aurelius.Throughout his life, Justin emphasized the compatibility between Greek philosophy and Christian doctrine, seeing Christ as the fulfillment of Greek philosophical ideals. His writings, including the First and Second Apology, provide valuable insights into early Christian theology and apologetics.Justin's interpretation of Scripture and his belief in the fulfillment of prophecy through Christ set the stage for future Christian theologians. His willingness to die for his faith exemplifies his unwavering commitment to Christianity, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire believers today.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Help me continue making great content for listeners everywhere at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSubscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every week.https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comEpisode Notes:The Apostolic Fathers played a crucial role in shaping and establishing Christian orthodoxy during the formative years of the early Christian church. These early Christian leaders, who lived in the 1st and 2nd centuries, were direct disciples or associates of the apostles, holding a unique position in preserving and transmitting the teachings of Jesus Christ. The importance lies in the following 5 key areas as will be discussed in this weeks episode.Preservation of Apostolic Tradition: The Apostolic Fathers served as a bridge between the apostolic era and subsequent generations, ensuring the preservation of the teachings and traditions handed down from the apostles. Their writings, such as the letters of Ignatius of Antioch and Clement of Rome, provided valuable insights into the early Christian faith.Doctrinal Clarity: In response to emerging theological challenges and doctrinal uncertainties, the Apostolic Fathers contributed to the clarification of Christian beliefs. They addressed issues related to the nature of God, the divinity of Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit, laying the groundwork for the development of orthodox Christian theology.Ecclesiastical Structure: The Apostolic Fathers played a key role in the establishment of church and ecclesiastical structures within the Christian communities. Their writings reflected an early understanding of leadership, emphasizing the roles of bishops, presbyters, and deacons in the governance of the early Church. This organizational framework helped maintain unity and order within the growing Christian community.Resistance to Heresy: As the early Christian church faced various theological challenges and the rise of heretical movements, the Apostolic Fathers actively countered false teachings. Their writings, such as the letters of Polycarp and Irenaeus' "Against Heresies," provided a defense of orthodox Christian doctrine, contributing to the identification and rejection of heretical ideas.Liturgical Contributions: The Apostolic Fathers also made contributions to early Christian liturgy and worship practices. Their writings and teachings influenced the development of worship elements, shaping the way Christians gathered for worship and celebrated sacraments.In summary, the Apostolic Fathers were instrumental in safeguarding the apostolic tradition, providing doctrinal clarity, establishing ecclesiastical structures, resisting heresy, and contributing to early Christian liturgy. Their collective efforts significantly shaped the foundation of Christian orthodoxy, laying the groundwork for the theological and organizational framework that would guide the Church for centuries to come.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Help me continue making great biblical content for listeners everywhere, everyday at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessSeason 1 :Episode 1: Plato and Greek Philosophy"A History of the Christian Church - 2000 Years of Christian Thought"IntroductionWelcome to the inaugural episode of "A History of the Christian Church - 2000 Years of Christian Thought." I'm Jeremy McCandless, your host, and together we embark on a amazing journey through the annals of time, exploring the transformative evolution of the Christian Church from A.D. 1 to A.D. 500. In Season 1, we will unravel this rich tapestry through the lives and thoughts of some of Christianity's earliest greatest thinkers.Episode OverviewIn this episode, titled "Plato and Greek Philosophy," we'll look into the intellectual landscape that shaped early Christian thought. The journey begins with the influence of Greek philosophy on the early Christian Fathers, unravelling the nuances of Platonism, Aristotelianism, and Stoicism. We'll witness the emergence of Neoplatonism in the 3rd century and its impact on early Christian thinkers.The Early Christian Fathers and Greek PhilosophyThe early Christian Fathers, primarily Gentile Greeks or Romans, grappled with the task of aligning their Christian beliefs with the prevailing thought patterns of their society. Three main philosophical schools—Platonism, Aristotelianism, and Stoicism—left an indelible mark on their intellectual endeavours.Pivotal Moments in Greek PhilosophyBy the 2nd century, a fusion of Platonism, Aristotle, and Stoicism dominated Greek thought, with Platonism emerging as the leading influence. The 3rd century witnessed the rise of Neoplatonism, offering a Pagan alternative to Christianity and leaving a lasting impact on Christian thinkers from the 4th century onward.Central to both Plato and Aristotle was the concept of being and becoming. Plato posited an eternal, unchanging realm of being in contrast to our ever-changing world. This duality of realms became influential in early Christian thought.Greek Monotheism and Christian ApologistsAs Greek philosophical monotheism gained prominence, early Christian apologists found points of connection. However, contradictions between the Greek and biblical concepts of God emerged, leading to theological challenges for the early Christian thinkers.Logos: The MediatorGreek thought introduced the concept of "logos" as a mediating power between the immutable God and the changing world. This concept, echoing John chapter one, provided a point of connection between Greek philosophy and Christian thought. However, challenges arose regarding the nature and status of the Logos.Greek Aesthetics and Christian DistinctionsGreek philosophy held a negative view of the temporal world, considering it the creation of an inferior deity. While some aspects resonated with New Testament thought, fundamental differences persisted, especially concerning the resurrection of the body.The Challenge for Early Christian FathersThe early Christian Fathers faced the challenge of articulating the Christian faith in Greek terms without distorting its essence. The journey involved a nuanced exchange, with Greek thought becoming intertwined with Christian thought while maintaining aspects contrary to biblical Christianity.ConclusionAs we conclude this episode, we acknowledge the complexity of this historical process. The early ChristianSupport the Show.