If you have ever watched the program, The Journey Home on EWTN, you will discover a trend among the guests who share how they have entered into the Catholic Church. (I highly recommend watching this program; it will help you in your discussions with our non-Catholic brothers and sisters.) Many of them, including a great number of former Protestant ministers, were led back to the Church through their study of the Early Church Fathers.
Jimmy Akin's new book, The Fathers Know Best
collects a number of writings and quotations from the church fathers. It is a great read for learning about the early years of the Church and how the leaders dealt with many heresies that arose during that time (some still lingering around to this day) and how that resulted in councils and creeds. It's important to note that one of the great lessons to learn from the work of the Fathers of the Church is that the Church's teaching has been consistent since its inception. The statements were written in response and to clarify, not to create new teaching.
collects a number of writings and quotations from the church fathers. It is a great read for learning about the early years of the Church and how the leaders dealt with many heresies that arose during that time (some still lingering around to this day) and how that resulted in councils and creeds. It's important to note that one of the great lessons to learn from the work of the Fathers of the Church is that the Church's teaching has been consistent since its inception. The statements were written in response and to clarify, not to create new teaching. My favorite statement about the Church Fathers was one made by a Catholic apologist who said, "would you rather heed the words of someone from the 1500's or someone who was around in the early years of the Church"?
If you are interested in reading more about Church history here are some recommendations:
The Fathers Know Best by Jimmy Akin
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