A Little Help from Our Friends: Understanding the Bible with the Church Fathers

Dr. James Papandrea. Reading Scripture Like the Early Church. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback $19.95. eBook $9.99. 224 pages. Available from the publisher.

In Reading Scripture Like the Early Church: Seven Insights from the Church Fathers to Help You Understand the Bible, Dr. James Papandrea—former Protestant minister and prolific author—breaks open the writings of the Church Fathers and history to reveal how biblical authorship and teachings were viewed, as passed down from the apostles. Above all, he reveals how Jesus Himself teaches us the meaning of Scripture passages in the Bible.

Readers have become accustomed to Dr. Papandrea’s straightforward and engaging style in What Really Happens After We Die, From Star Wars to Superman, How Christianity Saved Civilization and, most recently, in Reading the Church Fathers: A History of the Early Church and the Development of Doctrine.

A reviewer said, “Professor Papandrea is able to make complex ideas understandable for the lay reader. To understand the history of the early Church is very interesting and the challenges it faced to remain true to the Apostles’ teaching is a story of the mingling of faith and reason. An excellent book.”

Based on his extensive experience, Dr. Papandrea guides you in reading Scripture with the heart of the Church and why Sola Scriptura isn’t enough. He accessibly evaluates common misperceptions regarding the development and understanding of Scripture, including both fundamentalist and modernist views. Additionally, he lays out how the books of the Bible were chosen, what is meant by Tradition, and why the Gospels are harmonious.

In these fascinating pages, Dr. Papandrea highlights the influence of early Church Fathers and explains examples from:

• St. Athanasius’ writings on the Word and Nicene Creed 
• St. Justin Martyr’s teachings on how the Old Testament is clarified in the New Testament
• St. Vincent of Lérins’ defense against Sola Scriptura and in support of the Church’s teaching authority
• St. Irenaeus of Lyons’ treatises against heresies like eliminating the Old Testament and understanding the recapitulation (typology) of how it is fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ
• St. John Cassian and the spiritual senses of Scripture
• St. Ignatius of Antioch and our need for the Church, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, to interpret Scripture

Dr. Papandrea also provides biblical passages to explain how to apply tips on interpretation. With minds and hearts renewed, you will develop a greater understanding and love of Sacred Scripture. Most significantly, this book will help you grow in closer intimacy with our Lord.

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 Scripture Like the Early Church and/or to schedule an interview with the author.