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

Cyprian:

“This pestilence and plague, which seems horrible and deadly, searches out the righteousness of each one. . . . It reveals whether those who are in health will tend the sick.  It reveals whether relatives affectionately love their kindred.”

Clement of Alexandria:

“Repentance, then, is a result of faith. For unless a man believes that to which he was addicted to be sin, he will not abandon it.  And he must believe that punishment looms over the transgressor.  He must believe that salvation belongs to the one who lives according to the commandments.  Otherwise, he will not reform.”

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

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