Early Christian Fathers (Library Of Christian Classics Series)

Since about three years ago when I started studying Roman Catholicism in greater depth, I was challenged to return to the writings of the Early Church Fathers to read what they had to say on the Church, the Eucharist, the Petrine Ministry, church liturgy, ecclesiology, and so on. Richardson's book was one of several books I purchased on the Early Church. Reading the Fathers' writings that he put together and edited, I had a theological, historical and spiritual feast. These writings not only showed us what they Early Church believed, taught, and practiced but they also shed light on the issues and controversies they had to face. Reading these writings transported us back to the first few centuries before the New Testament canon was finalized. Learning about Polycarp, Ignatius, Clement, and a host of others actually strengthened my faith in the historicity of the Church and the Christian Faith. Evangelicals have largely ignored the writings of the Fathers. This should be corrected and Richardson's book is a good place to begin. Highly recommended!