Church Fathers

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As we come into the Catholic Church many Catholics encourage us to read “the church fathers”. Who are they referring to? The Popes?

Thanks.
 
srfnolen said:
As we come into the Catholic Church many Catholics encourage us to read “the church fathers”. Who are they referring to? The Popes?

Thanks.
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“Church Fathers” refers to the great Christian writers and theologians of the first several centuries after Christ. Some were popes, and many were bishops, but not all.

New Advent has many writings from the Early Church Fathers on their website: newadvent.org/fathers/

Also, New Advent houses an online version of the Old Catholic Encyclopedia, which contains an entry on the Church Fathers with more background info: newadvent.org/cathen/06001a.htm
 
They’re what they sound like: people whose actions, writings, and ideas form the foundation of the Church. Among their number are Popes, bishops, priests, Saints, theologians, and more. Reading their works and lives will greatly enhance your understanding of and appreciation for Catholicism. 👍
 
srfnolen said:
As we come into the Catholic Church many Catholics encourage us to read “the church fathers”. Who are they referring to? The Popes?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Early on, some where those who were directly the disciples of the Apostles, or knew the Apostles…and were appointed as their successors.

Some of them-Ignatius of Antioch, Clement of Rome, Ireneus…and they would appoint their successors also…and continue the tradition of the Apostles.

Check this link: thefathersknowbest.com/

From Clement of Rome Epistle to Corinth:

earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-lightfoot.html

1Clem 42:4 So preaching everywhere in country and town, they appointed their firstfruits, when they had proved them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons unto them that should believe.
1Clem 44:2 For this cause therefore, having received complete foreknowledge, they appointed the aforesaid persons, and afterwards they provided a continuance, that if these should fall asleep, other approved men should succeed to their ministration.
57:1 Do ye, therefore, that have laid the foundation of the sedition submit yourselves to the presbyters, and be chastised to repentance, bending the knees of your hearts.

57:2 Learn to submit yourselves, laying aside the vain and haughty self-will of your tongues; for it is better that you should be small and approved in the flock of Christ, rather than that, seeming to be superior to others, ye should be cast out of his hope

59:1 But if some should be disobedient to the things spoken by him through us, let them know that they will entangle themselves in no small transgression and danger,
 
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