Why are the Church Fathers even remotely interesting?  How on earth could we learn from them!? How are they relevant for what we face today?  Learning from innovative Cistercian Benedictine Monks in the West (12th...) How to be in tune with nature.  Creation to be utilised, not pillaged. Innovative with creation, not destroyers of it.  Introducing Bernard of Clairvaux - the preacher of the 2nd crusade.  Ever wondered if your view of the Crusades is accurate?  Learning from the Church Fathers "The Church Fathers are the Greatest Thinkers of all time" They were Holistic, broad, detailed in their books. So who is their starting point? The author of life! Start with the author of life, and find true enlightenment in your understanding. "Start with the author of life and come up with the greatest thoughts ever."  Hellenistic - starting point are abstract idea, pursue their own perfect idea.  -Separated from your whole being. -Start with an abstract idea then you end up with nothing. -Clever ideas versus the real universe.    Basil of Ceaserea - Jesus sent from the Father, filled with the Spirit, made the Heavens and the Earth. The heavens are made of the same stuff as us.  The heavens are not just abstract and unspiritual. Today, scientists agree - the Church Fathers knew this, because they took Jesus seriously.  The Church Fathers thought of Jesus as a real man who the Apostles knew and loved Today people see Jesus as an idea/ideology to buy into. Yet Jesus is a person to be met!  Discussion on the Witch of Endor Necromancy -  communicating with the dead. King Saul, followed his own power, and sought out the Witch. Brings back Samuel, and she is freaked out. (1 Samuel 28:3-25).  The Church Fathers debated and sometimes disagreed on these complex events and issues, as they should.  Yet they all agree on Jesus - the real man. Samuel's message is a warning to us all - “So why do you ask me, seeing the Lord has departed from you and has become your enemy?" (1 Samuel 28:16)... ...Choosing to live life without Jesus to the point of seeking mediums instead, never ends well.  The man of Heaven Jesus was born, grew in knowledge and understanding. Real like us. Lived life like us. had friends like us. Suffers and dies just like us. Conquered death, unlike us. So that we too can safely go through death. -Fully God, fully came down, the man to meet.  -The man to guide us through life.  -The man alive and on the throne of the universe.    Six books from Paul Blackham: Frameworks: 30 days of Bible Study and Theology. (Roots-God-Jesus-Creation-Church) Paul Blackham- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqjiC...