Through the Church Fathers: May 29

Podcast DescriptionIn this episode we explore the origins of human nature, the consequences of the fall, and the surprising power of desire. Theophilus of Antioch explains that God made humanity neither mortal nor immortal by nature, but free and capable of both—able to choose life through obedience or death through disobedience. He then traces how death entered the world through Cain’s murder of Abel and how early human culture, including cities, polygamy, and music, began in the line of Cain.Augustine recounts the powerful story of two imperial officials at Trier who, while reading the life of Antony the Great, were suddenly converted and renounced their worldly ambitions to serve God—along with their fiancées who likewise dedicated themselves to virginity.Thomas Aquinas clarifies the relationship between love and desire: desire is the movement of the appetite toward a good not yet possessed, always flowing from love, even when that love is misplaced.Together these readings illuminate freedom, the entry of sin and death, the call to radical discipleship, and the deep structure of human longing.Today’s Readings: Theophilus of Antioch — Theophilus to Autolycus, Book 2, Chapters 27–30Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 8, Chapter 6 (Section 15)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Question 30 (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#ThroughTheChurchFathers #TheophilusOfAntioch #AugustineConfessions #ThomasAquinas #HumanNature #DesireAndLove #EarlyChurchFathers #ChristianTheology