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Patrick Whitworth tells the story of the growth of the early Christian community. Eschewing speculation, he provides a clear narrative interspersed with pithy accounts of the most significant Christian teachers in the period which culminated in the advent of the first Christian Emperor, Constantine. It is a story that is particularly relevant at a time when Christendom is a fading memory and the Christian community is struggling to discover where the Spirit is leading in a global culture. - Richard Chartres, Former Bishop of London A rapid, detailed and accurate narrative, full of picturesque scenes drawn directly from contemporary witnesses to the rise of Christianity in the Roman world. Whitworth writes with admiring passion, but does not disguise the human peculiarities and frailties of the protagonists. At all times we are aware of the importance of locality, and the shifts in Christian thought and practice are seen to result from changing relations to the ambient culture, a leading cause of which was the success of the church itself. - Mark Edwards, Professor of Early Christian Studies, University of Oxford
Patrick Whitworth read Modern History at Christ Church Oxford, and a Theology MA in Reformation Studies under T. H. L. Parker at Durham. He has spent over 40 years in Anglican Ministry, most recently in Bath, and in retirement facilitates lay and clergy training alongside his writing. He is married to Olivia with four grown up children and four grandchildren.
Show morePatrick Whitworth tells the story of the growth of the early Christian community. Eschewing speculation, he provides a clear narrative interspersed with pithy accounts of the most significant Christian teachers in the period which culminated in the advent of the first Christian Emperor, Constantine. It is a story that is particularly relevant at a time when Christendom is a fading memory and the Christian community is struggling to discover where the Spirit is leading in a global culture. - Richard Chartres, Former Bishop of London A rapid, detailed and accurate narrative, full of picturesque scenes drawn directly from contemporary witnesses to the rise of Christianity in the Roman world. Whitworth writes with admiring passion, but does not disguise the human peculiarities and frailties of the protagonists. At all times we are aware of the importance of locality, and the shifts in Christian thought and practice are seen to result from changing relations to the ambient culture, a leading cause of which was the success of the church itself. - Mark Edwards, Professor of Early Christian Studies, University of Oxford
Patrick Whitworth read Modern History at Christ Church Oxford, and a Theology MA in Reformation Studies under T. H. L. Parker at Durham. He has spent over 40 years in Anglican Ministry, most recently in Bath, and in retirement facilitates lay and clergy training alongside his writing. He is married to Olivia with four grown up children and four grandchildren.
Show morePatrick Whitworth read Modern History at Christ Church Oxford, and a Theology MA in Reformation Studies under T. H. L. Parker at Durham. He has spent over 40 years in Anglican Ministry, most recently in Bath, and in retirement facilitates lay and clergy training alongside his writing. He is married to Olivia with four grown up children and four grandchildren.
Perhaps there has not been an age such as this when it has become
so important to know and grasp something of the history of the
Church, not least in the growth, struggles, ministry and witness of
the first centuries of the early Church. Patrick Whitworth takes us
on this journey in an admirably clear, accessible and thoughtful
way.
*Rural Theology*
Within this double narrative, the Fathers of the Early Church
lived, taught, and often died for their faith. The strength of this
book is the vivid telling of their stories. We are introduced to
Fathers such as Justin Martyr, Tertullian, and the towering figure
of Origen. They are placed in their political context, their life
stories are vividly recounted, and there are lengthy extracts from
their written works; so we can read their ideas in their own words.
We sense their vitality and creativity, and see how they shaped the
future Church.
*The Church Times*
This trilogy constitutes a lucid and masterly overview of the
patristic period in terms of its theology and historical context. …
These are books that can be read and re-read with profit and also
enjoyment. The writer, and those who commend these volumes, are
united in their view that Christians need an accurate understanding
of the significance of the Church Fathers for the life of the
Church today. To succumb to cultural amnesia is not a Christian
virtue, for in Christianity, a living past alone can guide and
nurture a living present. This is part of what it means to believe
in the Communion of Saints.
*Fairacres Chronicle*
One of the merits of this book is the way in which the historical
scene in the Roman Empire is set at every turn as a prelude to
consideration of the Church’s doctrinal and organisational
development. Another achievement is to bring to life the various
Church Fathers being discussed in vivid vignettes and
well-documented discussion. The book is enjoyable to read and
memorable in places too.
*Fairacres Chronicle*
Utterly readable, even if you have no knowledge of the subject
matter, yet also thoroughly researched and historically
accurate.
*The Reader*
A rapid, detailed and accurate narrative, full of picturesque
scenes drawn directly from contemporary witnesses to the rise of
Christianity in the Roman world. Whitworth writes with admiring
passion, but does not disguise the human peculiarities and
frailties of the protagonists. At all times we are aware of the
importance of locality, and the shifts in Christian thought and
practice are seen to result from changing relations to the ambient
culture, a leading cause of which was the success of the church
itself.
*Mark Edwards, Professor of Early Christian Studies, University of
Oxford*
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