Epistles of St. Clement of Rome and St. Ignatius of Antioch (Ancient Christian Writers)

Rating:
Summary: Must Read
Review: Along with volume 4 of the Ancient Christian Writers Series (Didache, Epistle of Barnabas...) these writings are second only to Scripture itself in early Church authority. In fact before the creation of the New Testament canon, the 1st epistle of Clement was widely regarded as Scripture.
This is a must-read for Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and anyone who wants to know anything about the early Church.

Rating:
Summary: They were preserving that which was given them.
Review: Clement, bishop of Rome, was responding to reports about troubles again with those pesky Corinthian Christians. 40 years or so earlier, St. Paul had done the same. It's easy to see why for the first couple hundred years (even Eusebius, bp. of Ceasarea in Palestine considered it inspired in the early 4th century) this letter circulated with what would become the New Testament writings. His faith is apostolic as is his belief that he's merely standing in an authoritative line of men who are exhorting Christian behavior and beliefs. This letter was probably composed about the same time some of the writings of St. John were, and probably before 2 Peter and some of the pseudepigraphical Pauline literature.

This volume also shares with the reader the early 2nd century writings of Ignatius, bishop of Antioch and martyr. Again we get snapshots of early Christian communities in communion, part of the "great" Church, who submit to ecclesial authority, enjoy a sacred meal, etc.



Rating:
Summary: Early Church was Catholic
Review: In these two Epistles, one by Pope St. Clement of Rome and the other by Bishop St. Ignatius of Polycarp, we see clear proof that the early Church was Catholic from the very beginning.

Clement, whom was traditionally held to have been ordained by Peter, gives us the first sign of the primacy of the Bishop of Rome. The entire epistle is one long charitable diatribe against a few people at the Church in Corinth who were causing division by disobediance to the church leaders. At the very end saying, "...should ay disobey what has been said by Him through us, let them understand that they will entangle themselves...in no small danger."

St. Ignatius, on the other hand, is even more explicit about adherence to Church leadership. To Ignatius, as continues to be so in the Catholic Church, the Bishops held the keys what the apostles had given to them, and to the Church, which Christ promised would not be defeated by the gates of Hell.

Also interesting is the fact that Ignatius gives testimony that the early Church held the Eucharist to be the body and blood of Christ. Lastly he alludes to Marriage as a sacrament, instructing that it must be "sanctified by the bishop" so that both sexes do not "fall into lust".

I challenge Catholics to read these letters--they essential to the faith. I also challenge other Christians to truly recognize what the early Church was like, and to end that which divided us 500 years ago.

Rating:
Summary: These are very early Christian writings
Review: These are very good books to read as they give an insight into the teachings of the early church. They are in every respect akin to Gospels.

Don't be put off by 'Catholic' reviewers, who have in fact ignored that the Orthodox Church is descendant from these thinkers as well (hence it also is 'Catholic' - which just means universal). Thus when Clement urgres obey bishops he means ALL the bishops of the Christian community, not just the Bishop of Rome!