Apologetics, Books, Catholic Education, Life, Scripture

Former Protestant Minister Authors Definitive Work on Church Fathers

Reading the Church Fathers by Dr. James Papandrea. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, NH, 2022). 464 pp., $21.95.

“Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about.” – Orthodoxy, by G. K. Chesterton

In the expanded edition of Reading the Church Fathers, Dr. James Papandrea gives voice to the teachings major theologians, philosophers, and martyrs of the early Christian church.
They reveal the centrality of the belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, and the necessity to remain faithful to the one, true Church.

Dr. Papandrea is a former Protestant minister and revert to the Catholic faith. He has a Ph.D. in the History and Theology of the Early Christian Church. He is a speaker, musician, and author of several books, including What Really Happens After We Die, From Star Wars to Superman, and How Christianity Saved Civilization, available from Sophia Press.

This definitive work accessibly provides answers to questions, such as:

How do the writings of the Church Fathers aid our biblical understanding?
Who chose the books of the New Testament?
What criteria is used to interpret early Christian writings?
Did doctrine change? How do we balance unity and diversity?
How do we accurately understand Christology and refute heresies? What is meant by orthodoxy?
Did some members of the early Church hierarchy really argue over beliefs?
When did the sacraments develop? When did devotion to Our Lady and the saints emerge?
Was there an order to the liturgy of early Christians?
What role did the apostles play? What about their successors? How was the faith passed on?
Were there really Church Mothers?

An essential resource, Reading the Church Fathers offers readers charts on Eucharistic doctrine, detailed footnotes, recommended texts, and summaries of key teachings of our faith.
Readers will learn about the foundation of the Church and the importance of our traditions—all in one work.

Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of Reading the Church Fathers and/or to schedule an interview with the author.

Mary Beth Bracy

Mary Beth Bracy is a consecrated virgin of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, New York. She is a writer who is blessed to research, publish, and speak extensively on various aspects of Catholic spirituality. Her books include Behold the Lamb, Bread of Life and The Little Way of Healing Love Through the Passion of Jesus: The Stations of the Cross with St. Thérèse of Lisieux. She is also co-author of the book Stories of the Eucharist. Mary Beth has written articles for numerous Catholic publications and recorded some Catholic talks. For more information or to view her blog visit The Little Way.