Through the Church Fathers: July 24

Today’s readings draw together themes of discipleship, divine speech, and social order. Irenaeus concludes Against Heresies, Book 4, with a moving vision of Christ as the faithful teacher, exhorting believers not only by word but by example—revealing that true obedience is both taught and lived. Augustine, in Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 6, wrestles with how God speaks without sound—distinguishing between the eternal Word and temporal utterance. He insists that God’s creative Word is not like human speech that passes away, but remains forever. Finally, Aquinas, in Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 96, Article 4, explores whether one human would have ruled over another in the state of innocence. His answer is carefully qualified: yes, there would have been order and governance, but not dominion by force or servitude. Together, these three texts highlight the nature of godly authority—spoken, lived, and exercised not through domination but through love and righteousness.Today’s Readings:Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 4, Chapters 38–39 Augustine, Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 6 Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 96, Article 4Explore 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