Christians
The Third-Century Church Fathers*
Irenaeus: late 2nd century. Ministered in Smyrna and Gaul. Wrote against heresies and on the unity of God and the Origin of Evil. Studied under Polycarp.
Clement of Alexandria: c.150-c.215. Ministered in Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem. Wrote an exhortation to the Greeks, the Pedagogue and Stromata. Was trained in philosophy. Was converted as an adult. Emphasized Logos. Approached Scripture allegorically. Wrote oldest extant Christian hymn, "Shepherd of Tender Youth."
Julius Africanus: C.160-c.240. Ministered in Palestine. Wrote Chronography. Studied under Origen. His historical research covered period from Creation to AD 221.
Origen: c.185-c.254. Ministered in Alexandria and Caesarea. Wrote Hexapla, against Celsus and De Principiis. His father Leonidas was martyred in 202. Studied under Clement. Succeeded Clement as catachist in 203. Was a notable advocate of allegorical interpretation of Scripture. Was extremely ascetic. Was exiled by his enemies in the church. Died after torture at hands of Romans.
Major Ancient Church Doctrinal Controversies*
Donatist Controversy. Relevant Councils: Arles (314). Accepted "Outside the church there is no salvation."
Pelagian Controversy. Relevant Councils: Ephesus (431)
and Orange (529). Accepted Semi-Augustinianism; sacramental grace
enables people to overcome their innate sinfulness.
* Included in TERMS section