Fr. Ted recommends Early Christian Writings for inquirers
Fr. Ted advises anyone interested in the Orthodox Church to read the Penguin Classics volume "Early Christian Writings," which collects the Apostolic Fathers. These are the earliest authenticated Christian texts after the New Testament, dating from the second century. The volume includes letters from St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Polycarp of Smyrna, the Didache (Teaching of the Apostles), and the Shepherd of Hermas.
These manuscripts are accepted by Protestants, Orthodox, and Catholics as genuine. They demonstrate that early Christians believed the Eucharist is truly the body and blood of Christ, not merely a symbol, and they reveal a church structure of bishops, priests, and deacons with liturgical worship. Fr. Ted suggests reading this book after reading the Bible. The recommendation comes from a conversation posted on YouTube, where he gives this specific piece of advice to inquirers from any denomination.
Key moments
- 0:00 The speaker tells every inquirer, regardless of denomination, to read the Penguin Classics book "Early Christian Writings" (also called the Apostolic Fathers) after reading the Bible.
- 0:34 The volume contains the earliest substantiated Christian writings: letters of St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Polycarp of Smyrna, the Didache (Teaching of the Apostles), and the Shepherd of Hermas.
- 1:05 These manuscripts are authenticated and accepted by Protestants, Orthodox, and Catholics as genuine second-century documents, not forgeries.
- 1:37 The writings show early Christians believed the Eucharist is truly the body and blood of Christ, not a symbol, and they reveal a church with bishops, priests, deacons, and liturgy.