Category: Augustine

Augustine, ProjectLeave a comment

Not even all the water of the sea

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Justin Martyr, a 2nd century Christian apologist, making an argument for Christ in context of a hypothetical like discussion with a non-believing Jew named Trypho! “Chap. xiii.—isaiah teaches that sins are forgiven through christ’s blood. “For Isaiah did not send you to a bath, there to wash away murder and other sins, which not even all the water of the sea were sufficient to purge; but, as might have been expected, this was that saving bath of the olden time which followed those who repented, and who no longer were purified by the blood of goats and of sheep, or … Continue reading Not even all the water of the sea

AugustineLeave a comment

They who are called devils

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A very small portion from a 2nd century AD Christian apologist named Justin who is arguing that Christians should not be persecuted: And, as we said before, the devils put forward Marcion of Pontus, who is even now teaching men to deny that God is the maker of all things in heaven and on earth, and that the Christ predicted by the prophets is His Son, and preaches another god besides the Creator of all, and likewise another son. And this man many have believed, as if he alone knew the truth, and laugh at us, though they have no … Continue reading They who are called devils

Augustine, ProjectLeave a comment

Guardians of gods

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Justin Martyr 2nd Century AD And often out of vessels of dishonour, by merely changing the form, and making an image of the requisite shape, they make what they call a god; which we consider not only senseless, but to be even insulting to God, who, having ineffable glory and form, thus gets His name attached to things that are corruptible, and require constant service. And that the artificers of these are both intemperate, and, not to enter into particulars, are practised in every vice, you very well know; even their own girls who work along with them they corrupt. … Continue reading Guardians of gods

Augustine, SexualityLeave a comment

With mud and mire

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From John Chrysostom in 386ish AD. He seems to be a respected 4th century bishop respected by Catholic, Orthodox and Protestants. Considered to be one of the greatest preachers in Christian history. What little I know about the period in which he preached was during a time that Christianity after 300 years of on and off persecution gains success and some ease of living and support even from the state which never happened before and may explain some of the preaching and concern he had for the church as new temptations arose with this new found freedom. But I am … Continue reading With mud and mire

AugustineLeave a comment

Awestruck…

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“And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, … Continue reading Awestruck…

AugustineLeave a comment

Why do we gape?

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“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth … Continue reading Why do we gape?

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These are wealthier than all

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“This one may see in their case also who live by the rules of wisdom, for they, even in poverty, feel more secure than the rich.” John Chrysostom. 1888. “Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople on the Gospel according to St. Matthew.” In Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, edited by Philip Schaff, translated by George Prevost and M. B. Riddle, 10:30. A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series. New York: Christian Literature Company. Continue reading These are wealthier than all

Augustine, SalvationLeave a comment

Salvation from sin

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“But before introducing him, he proclaims beforehand the good things which were to befall the world through Him. And what are these? Sins removed and done away. “For He shall save His people from their sins.” Here again the thing is signified to be beyond all expectation. For not from visible wars, neither from barbarians, but what was far greater than these, from sins, he declares the glad tidings of deliverance; a work which had never been possible to any one before.” John Chrysostom. 1888. “Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople on the Gospel according to St. Matthew.” … Continue reading Salvation from sin

AugustineLeave a comment

If thou be a slave to sin

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3rd century Christian commentary 1 Corinthians 7:23 arguing that there is more freedom for a believer in Christ who is a slave than a thousand free men and women but in bondage to sin. “This saying is addressed not to slaves only, but also to free men. For it is possible for one who is a slave not to be a slave; and for one who is a free man to be a slave. “And how can one be a slave and not a slave?” When he doeth all for God: when he feigns nothing, and doeth nothing out of … Continue reading If thou be a slave to sin