FATHER OF CHURCH Flashcards
Who were the Church Fathers?
Influential theologians, bishops, or scholars whose writings explained key Scriptural principles in the early Church
How are the Church Fathers generally categorized?
Apostolic Fathers
Greek Fathers
Latin Fathers
Desert Fathers
What characteristics are required to be considered a Father of the Church?
Antiquity (ancient times)
Doctrinal orthodoxy (acceptance of defined doctrines)
Personal sanctity (holiness of life and character)
Approval by the Church
Who are the Latin Fathers?
St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Gregory I, and St. Isidore
What are the main functions of the Church Fathers’ works?
Apologetics: Defense of religious doctrines
Polemics: Art of controversy and disputation
Christian Apologists: Early writers defending beliefs against critics
Where does the term ‘apologetics’ came from?
It comes from the Greek word ‘apologia’, meaning speaking in defense
What was the role of early Christian apologists?
To defend their beliefs against critics and recommend their faith to outsiders
What is the definition of heresy?
A theological doctrine or system rejected as false by ecclesiastical authority
What was St. Augustine’s role as an apologist?
He provided a defense of Christianity and criticized paganism and heresies such as pelagianism and donatism.
What were the heresies that St. Augustine refuted?
Donatism and Pelagianism
Who was Donatus in relation to Donatism?
He was consecrated as Bishop of Carthage and leader of the Donatist sect
What were the principal errors of Donatism?
Asserted that sacraments were invalid if dispensed by a traditor or sinful clergy
Claimed sacraments could only be celebrated by those in a state of grace
Required re-baptism for Catholics joining their sect
What was St. Augustine’s response to Donatism?
He stated that Christ is the true minister of every Sacrament, regardless of the priest’s state
What is Pelagianism?
A heresy that stressed the essential goodness of human nature and the freedom of the human will
What did Pelagius hope to achieve with his teachings?
To improve the moral conduct of Christians
What did Celestius deny in relation to Pelagianism?
He denied the church’s doctrine of original sin and the necessity of infant baptism
How did St. Augustine oppose Pelagianism?
He asserted that humans cannot attain righteousness by their own efforts and depend on God’s grace
What happened to Pelagius and Celestius in 418?
They were excommunicated after being condemned by two councils of African bishops
What does spirituality refer to in the context of Augustinian values?
Building a relationship with God, defined as love and devotion to Him
What are the three elements that structure Augustinian spirituality?
Search for God
Community
Service to the Church
What are the Augustinian Core Values?
Unity (unitas)
Charity (caritas)
Truth (veritas)
How can an unordain person be a honored as a Church Fathers ?
For their proximity to the Apostles, explanations of Scripture, and ability to teach the Catholic faith
refers to the early Christian writers (c. 120-220) who defend their beliefs against critics and recommended their faith to outsiders.
Apologists
generally denotes the art of controversy and disputation.
polemics
