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To: whispering out loud

I've made this argument several times before here on FR threads, but consider it again. The early Church - the VERY early Church - bore witness to its faith in writing starting from the end of the first Century. They discussed theology, liturgy, sacraments, and apologetics geared to hostile pagans, among other things. A collection of their writings, commonly known as The Fathers of the Church, spans the time from the end of the 1st Century right into the 8th Century.

This collection of writings gives incredible witness to modern Catholic beliefs and practices, as they can clearly be shown to form a continuum from their day to ours. At the very least, a comparison of their beliefs and practices with Protestantism will demonstrate profound differences on even many of the basics. I would strongly suggest finding the collection at nearly any library and begin reading.

Usually the collection comes in a 35-40 volume set of books, but, even with such a huge baseline, I'm not worried that you will find any patterns that deviate markedly from modern Catholic orthodoxy. Indeed, the overwhelming consistency of these early voices demonstrates not only our doctrine, but the Holy Spirit's guidance in preserving it. If such a large set seems too daunting a task to wade through, or you would like to buy something a little more affordable, there is a three volume paperback set of excerpts of the Fathers called "The Faith of the Early Fathers," by William A. Jurgens. It's *excellent* as a resource to own. Here's a link to it at Amazon.com: http:www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0814604323

If you study the Fathers, you will see what you are looking for as a ratification of and verification of the Catholic Faith. Consider that these early churchmen could NOT collectively be in error without *destroying* the very validity of Christianity. After all, if they got it "wrong" so quickly, it makes Jesus out to be a liar and a fraud, who could not even safeguard His new faith even from the beginning. In the light of Matthew 28:20, this conclusion is *inescapeable* if the early Church was so much in "error." I urge you to prayerfully consider that.


113 posted on 02/18/2006 11:19:30 AM PST by magisterium
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To: magisterium

That link I posted left out the two virgules after http:

The correct link is:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0814604323

Sorry about that!


114 posted on 02/18/2006 11:27:46 AM PST by magisterium
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To: magisterium
the catholic church was not the only group of practicing Christians.
118 posted on 02/18/2006 12:27:10 PM PST by whispering out loud (the bible is either 100% true, or in it's very nature it is 100% a lie)
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To: magisterium
After all, if they got it "wrong" so quickly, it makes Jesus out to be a liar and a fraud, who could not even safeguard His new faith even from the beginning

What about Passover? Where is it ever commanded to be done away with and substituted with your Friday afternoon/Sunday morning affair? Here are your "early fathers" discussing this problem.

I think it is important to note that Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of the Apostle John, insisted upon the proper observation of Passover on the 14th. So did all of the other Apostles and early Christians. Where does your organization get the right to change the timing of a Holy Sabbath of the Lord?

126 posted on 02/18/2006 2:41:51 PM PST by Diego1618
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