Through the Church Fathers

Podcast Description
What happens when lies are repeated often enough, backed by power, and dressed up in the appearance of justice? Athanasius presses on with his relentless defense, dismantling one fabricated charge after another — the mysterious broken chalice, the false presbyter Ischyras, and the rigged “investigation” that relied on enemies, heathens, and civil force while the accused was kept far away. Augustine turns inward to expose a more subtle danger: the restless curiosity that drives us to seek knowledge, novelty, and even morbid spectacles not for wisdom but for the thrill of experience — the “lust of the eyes” that can twist even religion into a demand for signs and wonders. Thomas Aquinas then gives us the proper order of honor: God alone receives latria (worship), while dulia (honor) is fittingly shown to parents, rulers, teachers, and saints as reflections of God’s own gifts.
Together these readings sharpen our discernment: truth must be defended against calumny, the heart guarded against vain curiosity, and honor given where it is due — always pointing back to God.
Today’s Readings:
Athanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians), Part 1, Sections 11–14
Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 35 (Section 55)
Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 103 — On Dulia (Combined Articles)
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Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com
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Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #Aquinas #DefenseAgainstTheArians #LustOfTheEyes #Dulia #TrueWorship #EarlyChurch

Podcast Description
What does it look like to defend the truth when powerful enemies refuse to accept defeat? In this episode, Athanasius continues his fierce, point-by-point defense against false charges of murder and tyranny, exposing how his enemies manipulated councils, emperors, and public opinion in their attempt to silence him. Augustine confronts another subtle temptation — the restless curiosity of the eyes that seeks knowledge and novelty for its own sake rather than for the glory of God. Thomas Aquinas then clarifies the virtue of piety and observance, showing why we owe honor to parents, rulers, and those in authority as instruments of God’s providence. Together these readings challenge us to stand firm in truth, guard our hearts from distraction, and render to others the honor that justice and reverence require.
Today’s Readings:
Athanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians), Part 1, Sections 8–10
Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 35 (Section 54)
Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 101–102 — On Piety and Observances (Combined Questions)
Explore the Project:
Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com
Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #Aquinas #DefenseAgainstTheArians #Piety #TrueWorship #EarlyChurch

Podcast Description
What does it cost to defend the truth when powerful enemies will stop at nothing to silence you? In this episode, Athanasius continues his bold defense against relentless false accusations of murder, violence, and tyranny, exposing the conspiracy behind his repeated exiles while refusing to compromise the faith. Augustine turns inward with raw honesty, confessing how the beauty of created things can captivate the eyes and pull the soul away from God, even as he learns to praise the Creator through His gifts. Thomas Aquinas then cuts through confusion with sharp precision, explaining why perjury, sacrilege, and simony are grave sins that dishonor God by corrupting truth, sacred things, and spiritual gifts. Together these readings challenge us to stand firm in truth, guard our hearts from distraction, and reverence God with integrity.
Today’s Readings:
Athanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians), Part 1, Sections 5–7
Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 34 (Section 53)
Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 98–100 — On Perjury, Sacrilege, and Simony (Combined Questions)
Explore the Project:
Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com
Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #Aquinas #DefenseAgainstTheArians #TrueWorship #Perjury #Sacrilege #Simony

Podcast Description
What does it cost to stand for truth when powerful forces want you silenced? This episode opens with Athanasius of Alexandria fiercely defending himself against relentless false accusations, showing how he was repeatedly condemned, exiled, and attacked — yet refused to abandon the truth that Christ is fully God. Augustine then turns inward, confessing the dangerous allurements of the eyes and the beauty of creation, praying that God would possess his soul rather than the passing pleasures of this world. Finally, Thomas Aquinas draws sharp lines between true religion and superstition, explaining why both superstitious practices and tempting God are unlawful. Together these readings call us to reject every form of falsehood and to worship God with sincere hearts, using the means He has given rather than inventing our own.
Today’s Readings:
Athanasius of Alexandria — Apologia Contra Arianos (Defense Against the Arians), Part 1, Sections 1–4
Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 34 (Section 52)
Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 96–97 — On Superstitious Observances and Tempting God (Combined Questions)
Explore the Project:
Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com
Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Athanasius #Augustine #Aquinas #DefenseAgainstTheArians #TrueWorship #JustificationByFaith #Superstition

Podcast Description
What does it mean to truly know and worship the one true God? In this episode, Hippolytus of Rome delivers a powerful defense of the incarnation and the distinction of the Persons in the Trinity, refuting the modalist error of Noetus with clarity and passion. Augustine continues his transparent self-examination, confessing how the beauty of sacred music can lift the soul to God while also tempting the senses toward distraction. Thomas Aquinas then brings sharp theological precision, explaining why divination and superstitious practices are always sinful, as they seek knowledge or power through means that belong to God alone. Together these readings call us to reject every human distortion of God and to worship Him faithfully as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.
Today’s Readings:
Hippolytus of Rome — Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Sections 15–18
Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 34 (Section 51)
Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 95 — On Divination (Combined Articles)
Explore the Project:
Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com
Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
#ThroughTheChurchFathers #Hippolytus #Augustine #Aquinas #Trinity #Incarnation #TrueWorship #Divination