Through the Church Fathers: July 20

Today’s reading centers on the authority and illumination of God’s truth through apostolic means. In Against Heresies, Book 3, Chapters 4–5, Irenaeus lays out his famous defense of apostolic succession, arguing that the true teaching of the Church is preserved through a public and traceable lineage from the apostles—not secret knowledge or hidden traditions. Augustine, in Confessions, Book 11.2, offers a deeply personal prayer, asking that the secret things of God’s Word be opened to him—not for earthly riches, but through grace in Christ, the Word made flesh. And in Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 94, Article 3, Aquinas explores whether the first man, Adam, knew all things. Thomas concludes that Adam’s knowledge was infused by God for the purpose of ruling over creation, though not infinite or divine in scope. All three readings call us to trust not in private revelation or prideful intellect, but in the revealed wisdom given through Christ and preserved by His Church.Today’s Readings:Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 3, Chapters 4–5Augustine, Confessions, Book 11, Section 2Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 94, Article 3Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org