Session 1Introduction to the Course and

The Patristic Era

SF 665: Christian Devotional ClassicsEvangelical Seminary

Spring, 2013Jo Ann Kunz and Tony Blair, Instructors

Introduction to the Course

Reading Classical Literature

Recommended Literature• David Tracy, The Analogical Imagination• Justo Gonzalez, Christian Thought Revisited

Three Theologies

Three Theologies(adapted from Gonzalez, Christian Theology Revisited)

Type A(“Transactional”)

Type B(“Transcendent”)

Type C(“Incarnational”)

Historical ContextGeographic Center Carthage

(North Africa)Alexandria

(Egypt)Antioch

(Syria/Asia Minor)

Representative Theologians

Tertullian Origen Irenaeus

Original Audience Roman officials Educated elite Lower classes

Original Philosophical Orientation

Stoic Platonic None in particular

Some Contemporary

Expressions

Evangelical theology Catholic theology

Mainline Protestant theology

Eastern orthodoxy

Liberation theology Emergent theology

Three Theologies(adapted from Gonzalez, Christian Theology Revisited)

General Description

Primary Theme Law Truth History

Primary Descriptor Moral Metaphysical Pastoral

View of God Lawgiver and judge Ineffable One, transcendent

Shepherd and Father

Nature of Sin Lawbreaking Materialism Anticipatory disobedience

View of Original Sin Inherited Individual Representative

The Human Predicament

Moral indebtedness Forgetfulness and obfuscation

Subjection to the Devil

Atonement (the Work of Christ)

Expiation, forgiveness, and a

Better Law

Example, teaching, and illumination

Victory, liberation, and opening the

future

Three Theologies(adapted from Gonzalez, Christian Theology Revisited)

Implications

View of Creation Complete Double Ongoing

View of Sacraments Washing, meritorious Reminders and symbols

Grafting and nutrition

The Final Consummation

A kingdom of law and order

Contemplation and return

Kingdom of freedom and growth

Interpretation of Scripture

Moral code and prophecy

Allegory Typology and prophecy

The Patristic Era

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

TIMELINE(c. 1-500)

Birth of Christ c. 5 BC

Council of Nicea325

Fall of Rome476

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THEMESAuthority

PersecutionPower

Doctrine

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THEMESAuthority

PersecutionPower

Doctrine

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THEMESAuthority

PersecutionPower

Doctrine

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THEMESAuthority

PersecutionPower

Doctrine

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THE NICENE CREEDWe believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THE NICENE CREEDWe believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,eternally begotten of the Father,God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father.Through him all things were made.

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THE NICENE CREEDFor us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven:by the power of the Holy Spirithe became incarnate from the

Virgin Mary,and was made man.

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THE NICENE CREEDFor our sake he was crucified under

Pontius Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose againin accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heavenand is seated at the right hand of

the Father.

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THE NICENE CREEDHe will come again in glory to judge

the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THE NICENE CREEDWe believe in the Holy Spirit, the

Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and

the Son.With the Father and the Son he is

worshiped and glorified.He has spoken through the

Prophets.

The Patristic Era: Historical Background

THE NICENE CREEDWe believe in one holy catholic and

apostolic Church.We acknowledge one baptism for

the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the

dead,and the life of the world to come.

The Patristic Era: Spirituality

The Patristic Era: Spirituality

SPIRITUAL PRACTICESSolitude Silence

Spiritual directionPrayer cords

Scripture

The Patristic Era: Spirituality

LECTIO DIVINALectio (read with God)

Meditatio (reflect with God)Oratio (converse with God)

Contemplatio (rest with God)

The Patristic Era: Spirituality

THE LORD’S PRAYEROur Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.Your kingdom come.

Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the

glory forever. Amen.