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
St. Polycarp of Smyrna
Study of St. Polycarp of Smyrna, his pastoral witness, and his martyrdom in service to Christ.
Open SessionStudy Materials
- St. Polycarp of Smyrna
Primary session handout for guided discussion and follow-up reading.
Church 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.
Session #4
The Didache
Study of the Didache as an early witness to Christian catechesis, worship, discipline, and the shape of life in the apostolic age.
Open SessionStudy Materials
- The Didache Intro
Introductory study document for the Didache session.
- The Didache
Primary session handout for guided discussion and follow-up reading.
Church Father Writings
- The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (Didache)
Primary-source text for discussion and follow-up reading.