Through the Church Fathers: May 21

Podcast DescriptionIn today’s reading Theophilus of Antioch sharply critiques the contradictory teachings of Greek poets and philosophers. He shows how Homer and Hesiod offer wildly different accounts of the origin of the world and the gods, exposing their inconsistencies and failure to identify the true Creator. Theophilus argues that the gods of mythology are clearly later than the world they are said to rule, and that the philosophers’ ideas about uncreated matter or a God who ignores the world fall far short of the living God who creates all things out of nothing.We also hear Augustine marvel at the mysterious joy that fills the soul—and heaven itself—when a sinner who seemed lost is restored, greater even than the steady joy over those who never strayed far. He illustrates this with the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, showing how greater danger and greater recovery produce deeper rejoicing.Today’s Readings:Theophilus of Antioch — To Autolycus, Book II, Chapters 5–7Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 8, Chapter 3 (Section 7)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 1, Question 21 (Articles 1–4 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