A Guide to the Teachings of the Early Church Fathers

The Christian Church has continually looked to its beginnings to discover new insights and new strength for the present. Today the interest in early Christianity and its leaders is as lively as it ever was. Those who know these early days never tire in calling todays Church back to the Scriptures and the Spirit directed history of the Church. In this book Dr. Williams has given the preacher teacher and concerned layman a very readable concise and helpful guide to the teachings of the early Church leaders. He communicates the exciting quality of Christian theology as it came to expression in the thought and life of men to whom the Christian Church today is greatly in debt and from whom with humility it can continue to learn and find inspirations. The early Church Fathers were concerned in the words of the Apostle Peter to make a defense to anyone who called them to account for the hope that was in them. They were concerned as the Church is today to understand the faith for themselves and to explain it to those outside the Church. Their answers to the following problems are still relevant: the relationship of God to all the world redemption the Trinity the person of Christ the relationship between Gods will and mans and the problem of church and state. Today the Church still possesses the faith that overcomes the world and seeks to practice that faith in all of life. Twentieth century Christians can be strengthened in that possession and practice through an acquaintance with the teachings of the early Church Fathers. This book will guide them.