This week we look at some of the reasons for the popularity of Augustine’s views on original sin and God’s grace as well as some of the more challenging aspects of his theology – such as his views on the fate of unbaptized infants and the divine predestination. Links: Painting of Augustine disputing with heretics […]

This week, we begin a two part examination of Augustine’s teaching on Original Sin and the need for God’s grace. As part of this examination, we note areas of difference between his theology and that of Pelagius. Links: Picture of Statue of Augustine standing atop Pelagius by GFreihalter Augustine On the Grace of Christ and […]

After looking briefly at Pelagius’ response to Jerome’s attacks from last week, we take an extended examination of Pelagius’ theology of free will and the grace of God. Links: Image of Pelagius from the 1493 Nuremburg Chronicle. Fragments from Pelagius’ works On Nature and On Free Will Fr. Seraphim’s Amazon Christmas Wish List Check out […]

The Pelagian Controversy heats up as Saint Jerome finds serious problems with Pelagius’ views on free will and grace. Jerome, Augustine, and Pelagius vie for the support of the powerful Demetrias. Links: Image of Jerome mistakenly represented as a cardinal. Augustine On Holy Virginity Augustine’s later letter to Demetrias’ relatives Pelagius’ letter to Demetrias The […]

Alaric sacks the city of Rome. Augustine justifies the use of force to convert the Donatists to Catholicism. Links: Image of Christians of Rome saving holy vessels from Alaric and the Visigoths. Map of Western Europe in 410 AD. Augustine’s Treatise concerning the correction of the Donatists Augustine’s letters justifying the use of state coercion […]

Ambrose of Milan helps Theodosius after an unfortunate incident in Thessalonica. The complex and tumultuous relationship between Christians and Pagans is explored including Christian desecration of pagan temples such as the famous Serapeum of Alexandria. Links: Painting of Saint Ambrose barring Theodosius I from the Milan Cathedral by Anthony van Dyck. Theodoret on the incident […]

The rise of virginity in the West runs up against traditional Roman support for marriage and children. Saint Ambrose, however, strives to change the minds of the Western Christians and makes an important connection between virginity and our understanding of the Church. Links: Saint Ambrose and his sister, Saint Marcellina by Giovanni Dall’Orto Ambrose’s Concerning […]

After a brief examination of the 382 Synod of Rome and Damasus’ views on the primacy of the bishop of Rome, we look at the first part of Jerome’s work on the Vulgate – his revision of the Gospels. Today Jerome is praised for his work on what will become the official Latin version of […]

Athanasius influences the spread of monasticism in the West. Eusebius of Vercelli and Martin of Tours establish the first monasteries. The Church continues to expand its understanding of sainthood while at the same time fighting against veneration of “false martyrs”. Links: Statue of Martin of Tours cutting his cloak in half by Eva Kröcher Sulpicius […]

Julian continues his attack on the Christian Church and Athanasius attempts to end the schism of the Church in Antioch, but neither gets what they hoped for as Meletius of Antioch resists Athanasius and Julian falls in battle. Links: Image of Icon of Saint Mercurius slaying Julian Julian’s anti-Christian Against the Galilaeans The 360 Council […]