018: The Bible & the Church Fathers (Part 2)

Do you believe in the Trinity? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is both all God and all man at the same time - consubstantial with the Father? Do you believe the Bible is the Word of God? Most of you are nodding your internal head, saying "Yes, Matt, of course we do." These are issues most Christians take for granted. We believe them because they are fundamental to our faith. We believe them because they are what have been taught to us, handed down from generation to generation. But why? The quick answer is very simple: Because of Christ. He founded the Catholic Church and gave the Apostles authority. But then what? Acts 1:20 tells us: "His office let another take." In other words, their authority was passed on. And many to whom they passed the torch were the men who, through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, formulated many of the doctrines and beliefs we now take for granted. The belief system of Christianity didn't drop down out of the sky in a catechism. The truth that existed in its fullness in Jesus Christ was unpacked over the centuries. And many of the guys that did that unpacking were the Fathers of the Church. In this episode of "The Art of Catholic", we're going to finish what we started in Episode 17. (This is part 2 of "Introduction to the Fathers", which is the first lesson in the Journey Through Scripture Bible study titled "The Bible and the Church Fathers.") We'll discuss the development of doctrine and start to get to know a few of these towering figures of the faith. What you're going to start to realize is that these men are not just historical figures. We call them "Fathers" because that's what they are. They "father" us in the faith, leading us to Our Father in heaven. Enjoy! Matthew “All who have been lost were lost because they did not pray.” St. Alphonsus Liguori. Don't be lost! Grab your FREE copy of my quick guide to deeper prayer 8 Ways To Jumpstart Your Prayer Life!  It's an easy step-by-step summary of the spiritual giants of the Church designed to help you rocket to God!