St. Ignatius of Antioch

St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ordained by Peter, Called Church Catholic

St. Ignatius of Antioch stands as a towering figure in the early Christian Church, known for his fervent faith and his significant contributions to the development of Christian theology and ecclesiology. His life and teachings continue to resonate with Christians worldwide, offering a glimpse into the heart and mind of a man wholly devoted to Christ and His Church.

Born in Syria around the year 35 AD, Ignatius was reportedly a disciple of the Apostle John and was later ordained as the Bishop of Antioch by none other than St. Peter himself. This direct apostolic succession bestowed a considerable amount of spiritual authority and responsibility upon Ignatius, who shepherded the Christian community in Antioch with great zeal and dedication.

During his episcopacy, Ignatius witnessed the burgeoning growth of the Church amidst the trials and tribulations of the Roman Empire. It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians," a testament to the distinct identity and unity of the believers in this early center of Christianity.

Ignatius is perhaps best known for the series of letters he penned while en route to Rome, where he would ultimately face martyrdom. These letters, addressed to various Christian communities, are treasured for their theological depth and their clear articulation of key Christian doctrines. They emphasize the importance of ecclesiastical unity, the role of the bishops, and the centrality of the Eucharist as the "medicine of immortality" — a phrase that beautifully captures Ignatius's profound reverence for the sacrament.

Acts 9:31 in Koine Greek Translated with Google

One of the most notable aspects of Ignatius's letters is his use of the term "Catholic Church" (see: St. Ignatius of Antioch to the Smyrnaeans (Hoole translation) (earlychristianwritings.com). This designation highlighted the universal scope of the one true Church founded by Christ upon Peter the Rock, transcending local congregations and geographical boundaries to encompass all believers united in the faith of Christ. 

This early use of the term "Catholic" underscores the inclusive and comprehensive nature of the Church as envisioned by Ignatius.  His usage of the term "Catholic Church" shows us that this was always the name of the Church Christ founded. We see the same term used in Acts 9:31 where the original Greek clearly says "Catholic Church when describing the Church in Judea. 

Ignatius's journey to martyrdom was marked by courage and an unwavering commitment to his faith. Condemned to be devoured by wild beasts in the Colosseum, he embraced his fate with a desire to be united with Christ through his suffering and death. His poignant words, "I am God’s wheat and shall be ground by their teeth so that I may become Christ’s pure bread," reflect a soul ready to join the ranks of the martyrs and saints.

The legacy of St. Ignatius of Antioch is enduring. His writings provide a vital link to the apostolic era and offer rich insights into the early Church's beliefs and practices. For modern-day Christians, Ignatius serves as a model of faithfulness and a reminder of the timeless truths that form the bedrock of Christian doctrine.

The Writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch: A Legacy of Early Christian Theology

St. Ignatius of Antioch, a pivotal figure in the early Christian Church, is renowned not only for his martyrdom but also for his extensive writings, which have been crucial in shaping early Christian theology and ecclesiology. His epistles, written on his way to Rome where he would meet his martyrdom, are among the earliest-known Christian documents after the New Testament and offer profound insights into the beliefs and practices of early Christians.

Ignatius's letters are addressed to various Christian communities and individuals, including the Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Romans, Philadelphians, Smyrnaeans, and Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna. These letters serve as a testament to his pastoral care, theological insights, and unwavering commitment to upholding the unity and purity of the Church.

The Epistle to the Ephesians discusses the concept of unity in the Church, emphasizing the importance of the Eucharist and the role of the bishop as a focal point of unity. In his Epistle to the Magnesians, Ignatius warns against Judaizing tendencies and advocates for living according to the New Covenant rather than the Old.

The Epistle to the Trallians reinforces the authority of the bishop and the importance of adhering to the teachings of the apostles, while the Epistle to the Romans is a poignant reflection of Ignatius's readiness for martyrdom, expressing his desire not to be saved from death but to attain union with Christ.

In his letters to the Philadelphians and Smyrnaeans, Ignatius addresses the dangers of heresy, particularly Docetism, which denied the humanity of Christ. He underscores the reality of Christ's incarnation, suffering, and resurrection, affirming the belief in Christ's true flesh and blood.

The Epistle to Polycarp is a personal letter to his fellow bishop, offering guidance and encouragement for his pastoral duties. Ignatius exhorts Polycarp to be steadfast, patient, and to set an example for his flock.

These writings collectively contain the first surviving written description of the Church as "Catholic," from the Greek word indicating both universality and fullness. Ignatius passionately stressed the importance of Church unity, the dangers of heresy, and the surpassing importance of the Eucharist as the "medicine of immortality" — a phrase that encapsulates his deep reverence for the sacrament.

St. Ignatius's letters are a rich source of early Christian doctrine and practice, reflecting a period when the Church was still defining its identity and beliefs. They offer a window into the soul of a man who was deeply in love with Christ and His Church, and who was willing to lay down his life for the faith he so ardently professed. His writings continue to inspire and guide Christians, echoing through the centuries as a voice of apostolic wisdom and fervor.

As we reflect on the life and teachings of St. Ignatius of Antioch, we are reminded of the profound impact that one individual can have on the course of history. His voice, though from a distant past, continues to echo through the ages, calling the faithful to unity, to reverence for the sacred mysteries, and to a life lived in full communion with Christ and His Church.

Critique of Protestantism I

This new series of posts on Protestantism I'm sure will upset some Protestants; however, it is not a critique on Protestants but on Protestantism - big difference.  In these posts, I will highlight some points I focused on while studying religion during my transition from atheism to theism.

The True Church of Christ

All denominations claim to be the "one true" Church of Jesus Christ.  How can we know for sure?  Well, history answers this question.  There is no doubt that the Catholic Church headed by Pope Francis now is the original Christian Church that can be traced to Jesus Christ Himself.  There is no doubt that the apostles themselves were part of this Church.  St. Ignatius of Antioch who was ordained by St. Peter had this to say of the true Church of Christ:

Chapter VIII.-Let Nothing Be Done Without the Bishop. 

See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. (http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-smyrnaeans-longer.html) 

Notice that he does not say "Protestant Church," "Lutheran Church," "Pentecostal Church," "Baptist Church," "Adventist Church," "Eastern Orthodox Church;" he says CATHOLIC CHURCH.  St. Ignatius lived in the 1st century.  There were no other Churches around, only the Catholic Church.  

Some Protestants claim that they are part of the Catholic Church or that the Catholic Church somehow lost its way or became apostate.  This is just dishonest.  Historians all agree that the Catholic Church that existed in the first century is the same Catholic Church of today headed by Pope Francis.  All academics agree that St. Peter was the first Pope and that there has been an uninterrupted apostolic succession of Popes from AD 33 to now 2013 with Pope Francis.  The list of Popes is confirmed by 11th century scholar Hermann of Reichenau and scholars thereafter.

The Church cannot become apostate because Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against her. (Matthew 16:18)  Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit would guide the Church in truth. (John 14:26)  To say that the Church went haywire in the early centuries is to basically call Christ a liar.

There is no doubt that the original Christian Church is the one headed by the Pope and centered in Rome.  Pope Clement I who is third Pope after St. Peter had this to say:

Accept our counsel and you will have nothing to regret. . . . If anyone disobeys the things which have been said by him [Jesus] through us, let them know that they will involve themselves in no small danger. We, however, shall be innocent of this sin and will pray with entreaty and supplication that the Creator of all may keep unharmed the number of his elect (Letter to the Corinthians 58:2, 59:1[A.D. 95]).

As Pope and head of the Universal Church, he speaks with authority over the entire Church by stating that one must not disobey what is said by Jesus through "Us" or the Church of Rome.  This shows that the Rome diocese/Church has a specific primal role as head of the entire universal Church.

Again, take note that there is no mention of Protestantism or Eastern Orthodox Churches.  At this time, there was only ONE Christian Church and it was the Catholic Church headed by Pope Clement I.  Any claims that Protestants or other non-Catholic Christians make in regards to being the one true Church is completely false.  

How Old Is Your Church?

• If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex- monk of the Catholic Church, in the year 1517.
• If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to remarry.
• If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland in the year 1560.
• If you are a Protestant Episcopalian, your religion was an offshoot of the Church of England founded by Samuel Seabury in the American colonies in the 17th century.
• If you are a Congregationalist, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland in 1582.
• If you are a Methodist, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744.
• If you are a Unitarian, Theophilus Lindley founded your church in London in 1774.
• If you are a Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Palmyra, N.Y., in 1829.
• If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1605.
• If you are of the Dutch Reformed church, you recognize Michaelis Jones as founder, because he originated your religion in New York in 1628.
• If you worship with the Salvation Army, your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865.
• If you are a Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year in which your religion was born and to Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy as its founder.
• If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as 'Church of the Nazarene," "Pentecostal Gospel." "Holiness Church," "Pilgrim Holiness Church," "Jehovah's Witnesses," your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects founded by men within the past century.
• If you are Catholic, you know that your religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ the Son of God, and it is still the same Church.  -http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/churb4.htm   

All Protestant "churches" have a founder who is not Jesus Christ.  There is no escaping this fact.  To claim that your church is the original Church of Christ is dishonest and quite frankly, a lie.  As former Protestant John Henry Newman said, 

"To be deep in history is to cease to be a Protestant."
(An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine - part 5)

Only the Catholic Church has the historical evidence that shows it was founded by Jesus Christ Himself on Peter the Rock.  Any denomination that calls itself Christian but is not united to Rome was founded by a man in America during colonial times or Europe during the Reformation.  These denominations are not the true Church of Christ, but are parodies of it.