Learning Theology With the Church Fathers

by Hall, Christopher A.

• ISBN13: 9780830826865
• ISBN10: 0830826866
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-10-01
• Publisher: Ivp Academic

Summary

The early church fathers were great theologians--though they did not think of themselves as such. They were working pastors, involved in the daily life and leadership of their congregations. Yet they were wrestling with many of the great and formative questions of the Christian faith, such as the Trinity, the incarnation, the providence of God and the nature of the church. These beliefs were defined in the crucible of spiritual leadership, pastoral care and theological conflict, all set against the background of the great cultural movements and events of their day. For the church fathers, theology was a spiritual exercise woven into the texture of life.What would it be like to sit under the preaching and instruction of these great men, to look over their shoulders as they thought and wrote, or to hear them debate theological issues?Learning Theology with the Church Fathersoffers us that experience. With the same insight and love of his subject that he brought toReading Scripture with the Church Fathers,Christopher A. Hall opens the door on patristic theology. Focusing on the great questions, we view these issues in their settings and find greater appreciation for the foundations and architecture of our Christian faith.

Author Biography

Christopher A. Hall is associate professor of biblical and theological studies at Eastern University.

Table of Contents

Preface	9	(6)
Preparing to Learn Theology with the Church Fathers	15	(20)
Christ the Son, Begotten and Not Made	35	(18)
The Mystery and Wonder of the Trinity	53	(30)
Chris Divine and Human	83	(18)
On the Holy Spirit	101	(22)
Sin, Grace and the Human Condition	123	(36)
God's Transcendent Providence	159	(24)
God's Wise and Loving Providence	183	(24)
The Sacred Scriptures	207	(18)
One Holy, Apostolic Church	225	(24)
The Resurrection of the Body and the Life Everlasting	249	(25)
Notes	274	(31)
General Index	305	(3)
Scripture Index	308