The Faith of the Early Fathers, Vol. 3 [Paperback]

William A. Jurgens (Translator)

Book Description

Series: Faith of the Early Fathers | Publication Date: January 1998

A source-book of theological and historical passages from the Christian writings of the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras selected and translated by William A. Jurgens, H.E.D.       Volume 1: the Pre-Nicene and Nicene eras;       Volume 2: the Post-Nicene era through St. Jerome;       Volume 3: St. Augustine to the end of the patristic period. The passages selected are keyed to the numerical order established in M. J. Rouet de Journel's Enchiridion Patristicum.  In no sense, however, are these volumes a translation of that standard work.  The author has made his own investigation of theological textbooks in common use and has selected the patristic passages most frequently cited, including much that is in Rouet and much that is not.  All passages have been freshly and accurately translated from the best critical editions. Preceding each selection is a brief introduction treating the authorship, date and place of composition, and the purpose of the work from which the selection is taken.  The author's scholarship and sprightly sense of humor are evident in these prefatory remarks. Of immense value to the reader is the Doctrinal Index provided for each volume.  Here one can find the texts pertinent to particular doctrinal points, a method especially useful to homilists.  In addition, each volume is enhanced by comprehensive Scriptural and General Indices.

Product Details

• Paperback: 450 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814610218
• ISBN-13: 978-0814610213
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Asset, April 5, 2005

By 

Georgee Thevervelil (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Faith of the Early Fathers, Vol. 3 (Paperback)

As a non-Catholic, I can attest that this work is a great piece of scholarship. Although written by a Roman Catholic, this book presents the views and writings of the Early Fathers with very little bias. I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to research more about the origins of the Christian faith.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Scholarly Resource, November 23, 2001

By 

"jamlaser" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Faith of the Early Fathers, Vol. 3 (Paperback)

This set of works is outstanding, many other works I have read pail in comparison. This set is most notable for:
* good translation (much of the Fathers is in ancient Greek)
* presenting the Fathers as themselves, thus the Truth can speak for itself (not relying on commentary to lead, or in some other books mislead)
*provides a relavant/broad sampling of a multitude of Fathers writings, without being overly shallow (the known writings of the fathers would take up at least a few library shelves)
*easy to use (some other works are hard to use, or have confusing lookup systems/layouts)
*there are many other minor points of interest, but I believe these are the most relevant
*my only complaint is that these are not hardcover, as this is preferred by scholars and others who use these books heavily, the publisher probably wanted to insure a low price to make this resource available to a broad readership

I can not stress the value of these books, I have seen them used by many scholars, Evangelical & Catholic alike (even at my University).

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to study the Fathers...., November 27, 2003

By 

Seth Aaron Lowry (Olean, NY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Faith of the Early Fathers, Vol. 3 (Paperback)

then read these books. This three volume set is a great introductory set of the writings of the early Church Fathers. The books themselves are organized nicely starting with the earliest sources and then working down through the literary timeline. Jurgens has provided a brief synoposis on each individual author, and every piece of writing is titled, dated, and described. Moreover, the works contain excellent scripture annotations which makes it easy to discover just exactly what Bible verse the father in question is quoting. The topical reference system is very nice as well, but some may not like Jurgens style since he is strongly Catholic and desires to prove the teachings of the Church correct through Patristic sources. Nevertheless, anyone of an Orthodox persuasion or a Protestant curious about Church history will find these books useful and will be able to learn a lot. The only downside to these books is that quotes are only partial; Jurgens' intent is to prove doctrinal points, not provide a handy but abbreviated corpus of Patristic literature. Anyone wishing to study the Fathers more in depth will have to look elsewhere, but these three books offer a fine starting point.

Covered in volume three are the writings of Augustine of Hippo, and his student, Prosper of Aquitaine, Cyril of Alexandria, Vincent of Lerins, John Cassian, Pope Leo I, Gregory the Great, and John of Damascus. Of course, everyone is going to want to read the writings of Augustine since he has had such a tremendous impact on Western Christianity. His writings compose about the first 200 pages of volume 3, so there is plenty to read. Nevertheless, one should always keep in mind that Augustine, no matter how influential, was only one voice among the many great fathers that existed, therefore one should read the writings of men like Vincent of Lerins and John Cassian to maintain a balance perspective. Also, the writings of Cyril of Alexandria are of great interest and will be enjoyed by anyone wishing to know more about the developing Christian faith.