Today’s readings strike at the heart of what it means for Christ to redeem—not only the many, but the first. Irenaeus defends the salvation of Adam as essential to the integrity of God’s justice and victory over the devil, warning against the heresy of Tatian and his rejection of Adam’s restoration. Augustine prays that his time and tongue might serve only the law of God, as he confesses both what he knows and what still eludes him. And Aquinas answers a key question: did Adam see God in His essence? No, says Thomas—the vision of God’s essence belongs only to the glorified in heaven, not to those in the garden, even in innocence. Each reading builds a powerful vision of redemption, clarity, and discipline in the life of faith (Romans 5:14; Psalm 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:12).

Readings:

Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 3, Chapters 22–24 Augustine, The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 2 (Section 2) Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1, Question 94, Article 1

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

#Irenaeus #ChurchFathers #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Adam #Salvation #HistoricalTheology #TheologyInAYear

Here’s your podcast description for the readings from Irenaeus, Augustine, and Aquinas:

Today’s readings take us deep into the heart of Christian struggle and formation. Irenaeus recounts the apostolic proclamation that God is One and that Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is the fulfillment of Israel’s hope and the world’s redemption. In Confessions 10.70, Augustine reflects with trembling honesty on his sin, his weakness, and the mystery of God's mercy. He resolves to live not for himself, but for Christ who died and rose for him—pleading with God to teach and heal him through the Word. Meanwhile, Aquinas in Summa Theologica, Part 1, Question 93, Article 10, wrestles with whether Adam in his original state knew all things. He argues that Adam did not have universal knowledge, but only what was necessary for his role in the world, offering a vision of creation as rightly ordered but dependent on grace. Together, these three voices call us to humility, formation, and dependence on the wisdom of God.

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

We continue our theological journey with Irenaeus, Augustine, and Aquinas—each deepening the Christian understanding of God’s grace and man’s purpose. Irenaeus highlights the consistency of the apostolic message and shows how heretics twist Scripture out of context. Augustine reflects on his hope in Christ, even in the face of prideful accusations, because Christ is his ransom, his food, and his joy. Finally, Aquinas makes a helpful distinction between the “image” and “likeness” of God in humanity, illustrating how both relate to man’s destiny, but in different ways. Together, these voices show the unity of doctrine across centuries and the consistent call to holiness.

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