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Coptic Forums » Religion and Faith » Spirituality » Book Discussions

Ante Nicene and Post Nicene Reading

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pivok-ente-epchois

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posted on Sep 09, 2006 - 05:21 AM

+Aghape

Hello,

I wanted to know if anyone could tell me about the Post and Ante Nicene Books. I have them on my computer but I have never read from them. I have the Ante Nicene, The Nicene and Post Nicene Series 1 and the Post and Nicene fathers Series 2.

They kind of scare me because of how big they are. Can anyone please tell general info about them? Also, more importantly, can anyone help me with getting started in reading from them?

I really want to start reading,
Thank you.

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Joined: Sep 09, 2006 | Posts: 1

exGreek

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posted on Sep 09, 2006 - 07:22 PM

To be honest, it would be better to understand the historical relevance of each Patristic writing in question. Otherwise what is written can be taken way out of context. I would suggest reading a Church history book, either before or alongside reading the Patristic writings. In that case, I would recommend any number of volumes of the "Oxford History of the Church" or the 5-volume set History of Christian doctrine by Jaroslav Pelican. Even without the aforementioned pedagogical excuse, it is nevertheless easier to read something by 20th century English speakers than the recondite, flowery, and sickeningly uber-eloquent speeches of the Church fathers (with respect due).

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Joined: Oct 28, 2004 | Posts: 1381
Location: Spring Lake, Michigan

shaq

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posted on Sep 09, 2006 - 11:22 PM

hello... exgreek is right but i would also recommend you stay away from the apocryphal books and the gospel of peter as well as being careful when reading the 7 ecumenical councils since its written by protestants... also, i have not read leo or gregory but leo was the pope who helped divide the church during the council of chalcedon and pope gregory was right after him as well... also, st augustines holy trinity i have heard has errors .... some other writers i have no clue about... i would start reading the commentaries by st augustine and st john chrysostom... ull love em Smile

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Joined: Feb 07, 2003 | Posts: 337
Location: brooklyn,NY

Peter

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posted on Sep 11, 2006 - 01:19 PM

Good intro to the fathers with the historical context is "Holy Fire" by Robert Payne.

It is also easier to read the fathers if studing a particular topic or subject, than just reading them for sake of reading them. Also having a particular focus will help you retain what you are reading.

Though if you just want to read them you can't go wrong, for the most part, starting with the Alexandrian fathers (Sts. Clement, Cyril, Athanasius, et al.). Also the Cappodician fathers (Sts. Gregory Nazianus, Gregeory of Nyssa and Basil) are a good but their Christology is not wholly Cyrillic in formula

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Joined: Mar 18, 2003 | Posts: 423
Location: Jersey City, NJ

lowlyman

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posted on Sep 11, 2006 - 06:36 PM

May I suggest reading St. Gregory of nazianzus, a pre-Nicene Father, and St. John of Damascus a Post nicene father. I also agree that St. John Chrysostom is a must read.

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Joined: Apr 04, 2006 | Posts: 226

lowlyman

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posted on Sep 11, 2006 - 06:39 PM

Hi peter,

Are you willing to summarize the difference between the cappadocian, and Alexandrian Christology?
Thanks, lowly

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Joined: Apr 04, 2006 | Posts: 226

 
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