Speech, like laughter, measures the soul. Clement of Alexandria commands believers to silence filthy talk, for what leaves the lips can either sanctify or defile (Matthew 12:37). Jerome writes to Augustine from Bethlehem, defending his Hebrew translations and declaring that truth must never yield to custom—a defense of fidelity to the Word itself (John 17:17). Thomas Aquinas completes the triad by teaching that reason must temper anger; another’s defect should awaken mercy more than wrath (Psalm 103:13–14). Together these readings teach restraint of tongue, patience in dispute, and compassion over judgment—the virtues that make truth credible.Readings:Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, Book 2, Chapter 6Jerome, Letter 75 to AugustineThomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 47, Article 4Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#Clement #Jerome #Aquinas #ChurchFathers #SummaTheologica #Virtue #HistoricalTheology
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12:20
Through the Church Fathers: November 21
Laughter reveals the heart as surely as words do. Clement of Alexandria warns that laughter without measure betrays a soul out of tune, while modest joy reflects reason’s harmony (Ecclesiasticus 21:20). Augustine writes to Jerome with humility, seeking unity in Scripture even amid differing translations—a reminder that the Church’s concord depends on charity as much as accuracy (Romans 14:19). Thomas Aquinas examines anger’s object, teaching that true anger is always directed toward a rational being, not toward things or beasts (Ephesians 4:26). Together they call us to discipline both emotion and intellect under the rule of reason and love.Readings:Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, Book 2, Chapter 5Augustine of Hippo, Letter 71 to JeromeThomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 47, Article 1Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#Clement #Augustine #Aquinas #ChurchFathers #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Virtue #HistoricalTheology
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10:40
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10:40
Through the Church Fathers: November 20
The early Church knew that holiness is harmony—reason, affection, and worship tuned to the same note. Clement teaches that moderation and melody belong together: true music is the soul’s thanksgiving. Augustine’s gentle letter to Jerome captures the art of disagreeing without division, showing that the unity of love outlasts the clash of ideas. And Aquinas explains that anger, rightly understood, is not always sin—it becomes sin when reason no longer holds the reins. From table to temper, the Fathers call us to live in rhythm with divine order.Readings:Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, Book 2, Chapter 4 – How to Conduct Ourselves at FeastsAugustine, Letter 67 – To Jerome, My Brother in ChristThomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 46, Article 8 – Whether the Species of Anger Are Suitably AssignedExplore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#Clement #Augustine #Aquinas #ChurchFathers #Virtue #Temperance #Wisdom #ThroughTheChurchFathers
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11:00
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11:00
Through the Church Fathers: November 19
When celebration becomes a form of worship instead of escape, joy turns holy. Clement of Alexandria urges believers to keep their feasts free from the noise of self-indulgence and to fill them instead with psalms and thanksgiving. Augustine, writing tenderly to Jerome, shows that truth without love is hollow—real theology must be held in friendship. And Aquinas, ever precise, dissects the inner motion of anger, teaching that wrath, ill-will, and rancor are not three tempers but one passion at different stages of decay.Readings:Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor, Book 2, Chapter 4 – How to Conduct Ourselves at FeastsAugustine, Letter 67 – To Jerome, My Brother in ChristThomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 46, Article 8 – Whether the Species of Anger Are Suitably AssignedExplore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#Clement #Augustine #Aquinas #ChurchFathers #Feasting #Anger #Charity #ThroughTheChurchFathers
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12:37
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12:37
Through the Church Fathers: November 18
God’s justice is never vengeance—it is restoration. Augustine writes with pastoral warmth about welcoming Donatist clergy into the Church, honoring what was true in them while healing what was divided (Letter LX). Clement follows with a sober meditation on eating and drinking, teaching that every appetite must bow to wisdom and that temperance guards both body and soul (The Instructor, Book 2, Chapter 1). Aquinas brings the discussion into the human heart itself, showing that anger is not evil by nature but a “special passion” that, when ruled by reason, becomes zeal for righteousness (Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 46, Article 1). Each work calls us to mastery—not suppression—of our impulses, that the Spirit might govern what sin once ruled.Readings:Augustine, Letters, LXClement of Alexandria, The Instructor, Book 2, Chapter 1Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 46, Article 1Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Augustine #Clement #Aquinas #SummaTheologica #Temperance #Anger #Unity #Virtue
Join Through the Church Fathers, a year-long journey into the writings of the early Church Fathers, thoughtfully curated by C. Michael Patton. Each episode features daily readings from key figures like Clement, Augustine, and Aquinas, accompanied by insightful commentary to help you engage with the foundational truths of the Christian faith.Join Our Community: Read along and engage with others on this journey through the Church Fathers. Visit our website.Support the Podcast: Help sustain this work and gain access to exclusive content by supporting C. Michael Patton on Patreon at patreon.com/cmichaelpatton.Dive Deeper into Theology: Explore high-quality courses taught by the world’s greatest scholars at Credo Courses. Visit credocourses.com.Let’s journey through the wisdom of the Church Fathers together—daily inspiration to deepen your faith and understanding of the Christian tradition.
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