Through the Church Fathers: May 14

Podcast DescriptionIn this episode Tatian continues his unsparing critique of Greek culture. He ridicules the statues erected to tyrants, adulterers, and prostitutes, exposing the moral bankruptcy behind pagan art and the hypocrisy of those who slander Christian women while honoring far worse figures. He speaks as an eyewitness who has examined these things firsthand, then turns to the antiquity of Moses, using Chaldean, Phoenician, and Egyptian records to prove that Christian teaching predates Greek philosophy and literature by centuries. Augustine describes how he initially viewed Christ merely as an exemplary wise man and struggled to grasp the mystery of the Word made flesh, until he saw in the Mediator the humble way that lifts the proud by first becoming low. Thomas Aquinas explains that counsel is the act of reason by which we deliberate about the means to an end, preparing the way for free and rational choice.Today’s Readings: Tatian — Address to the Greeks, Chapters 34–37Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 7, Chapter 19 (Section 25)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 1, Question 14 (Articles 1–6 Combined)Explore 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(The three primary readings are already formatted per the 2026 rules and ready for the main content of the episode. Let me know if you want the full combined document or any adjustments to the podcast description.)