The First 500 Years

The Fathers, Councils, and Doctrines of the Early Church

By: David Meconi SJ

Narrated by: David Meconi SJ

Through a study of the Church Fathers, Father David Meconi, SJ explores the early stages of the Catholic Church. Uncover the theology which lead to the doctrinal development of the Theotokos, the Incarnation, and the Trinity. Discover the wisdom and influence of saints Cyril, Pope Leo, and Augustine. Embrace the rich heritage of the Catholic Faith.

Father David Meconi, SJ will bring you through an in-depth study of the foundations of doctrinal theology, focussing on questions such as, “Why did theology develop the way it did?” “What shaped the way the seed of the Church sprouted?” “How can Jesus be both God and man?” “Who exactly is the Holy Spirit?” “Is Mary really the Mother of God?”

The Fathers of the Church not only helped write the words to define what Catholics have believed for millennia, they debated about these doctrines to clarify them under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Did you know it took years - even centuries - to finalize many crucial Catholic beliefs? Through a series of councils, the Church defined and declared doctrines on:

• The hypostatic union between Christ's divine and human natures
• Mary as the "Theotokos" - the "God-Bearer"
• The primacy of the pope
• The action and person of the Holy Spirit

How can they help you answer challenges against the faith? The Fathers were there from the very beginning of the Church. Their writings and thoughts on doctrine helped shape theology as it developed over the first few centuries of the Church. Learn of the Church’s theological foundation, deepen your faith, and grow in holiness by joining Father Meconi on this theological exploration.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2012 Saint Benedict Press (P)2012 Saint Benedict Press

Lectures That Work Like Sermons

Not all sermons. I mean those outstanding sermons that make me sit up and say, “I didn’t know that” or, “Oh wow, I forgot that”. Sermons that explain the Faith in a way that deepens our faith. Sermons that make you feel that strange combination of creaturely humility and heavenly hope. The benefits here are out of all proportion to the inconsiderable price.

Written by a pedophile

Once you find out Meconi is a pedophile you can’t sit through the book. Wish known Pedophiles books had a notification on them before purchase.