Reading Christian Texts

Martyrdom was the fate of many early Christians, and it was the fate of the first century bishop Ignatius. On his way to martyrdom in Rome, he wrote a letter to the Roman church which stands as a testament to the piety of the early church - and is an example to all believers of our calling to follow Christ in His sufferings.

John Chrysostom is one of the three Hierarchs of the Orthodox Church, and his writings on the Priesthood are incredibly important texts in the history of Christianity.

While most of the religious world looks down on Calvin as a stern proponent of predestination, an actual reading of his works show him to be a person of true piety and Christian devotion. This is one of the most beautiful sections of his Institutes, and I hope it blesses all who hear it.

Origen was a very popular (albeit controversial) theologian in the early period of the church. His defense of free will was a pretty standard approach for the vast majority of the church fathers, and gives insight into the way the patristic mind dealt with this issue.

This is a reading of John of Damascus' defense of icons against the iconoclasts. He provides some very interesting biblical and philosophical reasons, which distinguish between so-called idolatry and proper veneration.

St. Gregory of Nyssa lived in the latter half of the fourth century. He was one of the Cappadocian Fathers, as well as the brother of St. Basil the Great. This is one of his really interesting biographical texts - and it's a perfect example of the allegorical method of interpretation that was heavily present among the patristics. My goal was to read you the most interesting parts of Gregory of Nyssa's analysis, as well as his riveting conclusion of Moses' life and the goal of all Christian living.

This is the first of St. Gregory's famous Theological Orations, and the topic of his discussion is this: who is worthy to do theology? Hope you enjoy this reading!