“We are philosophers – not in words – but in deeds. We do not speak great things; we live them.” – Cyprian

Clement of Alexandria:

“Neither praises nor censures, neither rewards nor punishments, are right if the soul does not have the power of inclination and disinclination and if evil is involuntary. . . . In no respect is God the author of evil.  But since free choice and inclination originate sins, . . . punishments are justly inflicted.”

Tertullian:

“The more often we are mown down by you, the more in number we grow. The blood of Christians is seed…”

Have you ever heard of Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Hermas, Papias, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Origen, Mark Felix, Cyprian, or Lactantius?  If not, why not?  Were these men of no significance to Christianity?  Did they leave no writings behind?  Didn’t they grapple with the same issues that Christians face today?  Why have their views been hidden to the point that most Christians don’t even know their names?


Explore the beliefs of the early Christians (before AD 325) and compare them to what the Bible says and to what most churches teach today.  We think you will find the journey to be enlightening, disconcerting, troubling, alarming, and yet perhaps strangely reassuring.  Begin by exploring this site to see if the early Christians can help provide some answers to your questions – answers from men who actually learned at the feet of the Apostles or their disciples.  Let your journey begin

Scroll to Top