Session #1
St. Clement of Rome
Introduction to Lutheran engagement with the early fathers, with focused reading on St. Clement of Rome and First Clement.
Open SessionStudy Materials
- Lutherans and the Early Church Fathers
Confessional Lutheranism and its continuity with the Early Church Fathers
- Clement of Rome
Primary Session handout focused on First Clement's overview and themes
Church Father Writings
- First Clement / Letter to the Corinthians
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.
Session #2
St. Ignatius of Antioch
Study of St. Ignatius of Antioch, his pastoral letters, and his witness to Christ, church unity, and martyrdom.
Open SessionStudy Materials
- St. Ignatius of Antioch
Primary session handout for guided discussion and follow-up reading.
Church Father Writings
- Epistle to the Ephesians (St. Ignatius)
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.
- Epistle to the Magnesians (St. Ignatius)
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.
- Epistle to the Trallians (St. Ignatius)
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.
- Epistle to the Romans (St. Ignatius)
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.
- Epistle to the Philadelphians (St. Ignatius)
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.
- Epistle to the Smyrnaeans (St. Ignatius)
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.
- Epistle to St. Polycarp (St. Ignatius)
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.
Session #3
Upcoming SessionSt. Polycarp of Smyrna
Recording will be posted after this session.
Upcoming session on St. Polycarp of Smyrna, his pastoral witness, and his martyrdom in service to Christ.
Open SessionChurch Father Writings
- Epistle to the Philippians (Polycarp)
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.
- Martyrdom of Polycarp
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.