By JOHN TUTTLE
The Bible and the Church Fathers, published by the St. Paul Center, Steubenville, Ohio. Visit stpaulcenter.com for ordering information, or call 740-264-9535.
The Patristic Period served as a fruitful hotbed of Catholic development. In The Bible and the Church Fathers, put out by the St. Paul Center, we are given a vivid snapshot into the acts of these pivotal figures from our past. Their teaching and example in the early centuries of Christendom helped to clarify and expound upon the way of life handed down from Christ and the apostles.
The course, revolving around a series of detailed video presentations, is hosted by author/speaker Matthew Leonard. Each lesson also includes readings of relevant Scripture passages from Dr. Scott Hahn. Leonard takes his audience step by step through the noble line of the Church Fathers.
Along the way, we learn how these outstanding defenders of the faith built up the culture and were almost constantly engaged in countering heresies of one form or another. They were men of character and backbone and some, as is clearly noted, gave the ultimate sacrifice of themselves to God for their Christian beliefs.
Over the duration of the course, we see how the members of the Church are called to be part of God’s family. We are the sons and daughters of God the Father. As Christians, over our long lineage, we have gained a host of forefathers in the spiritual life.
The Bible and the Church Fathers shows its audience how diverse the Church Fathers were in personality, humor, and methodology. As one might guess from the title, the lessons also delve into the significance of Scripture, how it happened that we came to have a Bible, and how the Scriptures have been interpreted in light of Tradition. The importance of the progression of Christian teaching, while being aligned with the faith of the fathers, was stressed throughout.
In the course, it was pointed out that the Church Fathers understood the New Testament as more than the written Word of God. In its fullest form, this New Covenant was the Eucharist — Christ Himself. The Body of Christ, the Church, is discussed with one of its characteristics — unity — being especially highlighted.
This unity, desired by Christ and the faith Tradition, is an added element which calls out the un-Christian aspect of heresy. Heresy makes for a disjointed congregation, really a dismemberment of Christ’s Mystical Body. Many issues besides these are explored through the lens of the Church Fathers’ experiences.
The presentation and narration offered by Leonard get personal at times, keeping it real for his fellow Catholics. The lessons include rich architectural and sculptural surroundings converged with some of the finest artistic imagery of the ages, primarily dealing with Christian subjects. It makes for an intriguing atmosphere for learning.
The programs are viewable in multiple formats provided by the St. Paul Center. Workbooks written for the course and other associated texts are also available.
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