Podcast Description

Today we confront one of the most persistent dangers in Christian history: the temptation to reshape God into something more comfortable for human understanding. Hippolytus vigorously refutes the modalist heresy of Noetus, who collapsed the Father and the Son into one person, while Augustine wrestles honestly with how sacred music can both elevate the soul toward God and subtly seduce the senses. Thomas Aquinas then brings clarity, showing the rightful reverence due to God’s name in prayer and praise, and exposing superstition as a corruption of true religion. Together these readings call us to worship God as He has revealed Himself — neither collapsing His persons nor inventing our own rituals.

Today’s Readings:

Hippolytus of Rome — Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Sections 5–9 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 33 (Section 49) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 91–92 (Combined)

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A false teacher from Smyrna claimed that the Father and the Son were not distinct persons at all, forcing the early Church to confront one of the most important questions in Christian theology: Who exactly is Jesus Christ? In today’s readings, Hippolytus of Rome begins his powerful refutation of Noetus, arguing that while God is one, the Father and the Son must not be confused with one another. Augustine continues his searching examination of the heart, reflecting on the subtle temptations of pleasure and the difficulty of truly knowing ourselves. Aquinas then explores the proper use of oaths and adjuration, teaching that invoking God's name is lawful only when done with truth, justice, and careful judgment. Together, these readings remind us that whether we are defending doctrine, examining our motives, or speaking in God's name, humility before the truth remains essential.

Today's Readings:

Hippolytus of Rome — Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Sections 1–4

Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 32 (Section 48)

Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Questions 89–90 — On Oaths and Adjuration (Combined)

Explore the Project:

Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

#ChurchFathers #Hippolytus #AgainstNoetus #Modalism #Sabellianism #Trinity #Augustine #Confessions #ThomasAquinas #SummaTheologica #ChurchHistory #ChristianTheology #Patristics #ThroughTheChurchFathersInAYear

Podcast Summary

How should Christians respond to error, temptation, and commitment? In today’s readings, Tertullian concludes The Prescription against Heretics by arguing that heresy survives by tearing down the truth rather than building upon it. He warns that false teachers often appeal to signs, wonders, and impressive personalities, yet Christ and the apostles already warned the Church that such things would come. Augustine then continues his honest self-examination, reflecting on the daily struggle with appetite. He acknowledges that food itself is good and created by God, but the real danger lies in disordered desire. Even after victory over greater sins, he finds himself engaged in a lifelong battle for moderation and self-control, relying entirely on Christ’s intercession and grace. Finally, Aquinas considers vows and teaches that promises made to God are serious obligations, yet they must always serve the greater good for which they were intended. Lawful authority may sometimes dispense or redirect a vow, not to destroy it, but to fulfill its purpose more perfectly. Together these readings remind us that the Christian life requires discernment against falsehood, vigilance against temptation, and faithful perseverance in the commitments we make before God.

Today's Readings

Tertullian — The Prescription against Heretics, Chapters 42–44

Augustine of Hippo — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 31 (Sections 46–47)

Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2 of Part 2, Question 88, Articles 7–12 Combined

#Tertullian #Augustine #ThomasAquinas #ChurchFathers #ThroughTheChurchFathers #HistoricalTheology #ChristianHistory #ChristianDiscipleship #Heresy #RuleOfFaith #SelfControl #Temptation #Vows #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Patristics #ChurchHistory #Theology #CredoMinistries #ChristianLiving