Early Christian Fathers Series

Ignatius of Antioch & Polycarp of Smyrna and the newly released Clement of Rome & the Didache are two new translations and theological commentaries by Kenneth J. Howell Ph.D. of the Coming Home Network International. In this special interview, Marcus Grodi and Dr. Howell discuss the powerful impact that the writings of the early Christian fathers have on men and women discovering the fullness of the Christian faith in the Catholic Church.

Dr. Howell holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in the History of Christianity and Science from the University of Lancaster (U.K.). A Presbyterian minister for eighteen years and a theological professor for seven years in a Protestant seminary, Dr. Howell was confirmed and received into the Catholic Church in 1996.

“It’s hard to exaggerate the importance of these documents. They show us the Church as it was while the Apostles were still at work in the world. It’s a eucharistic Church, hierarchical, priestly, sacrificial, liturgical, Catholic. It’s a Church where Catholics today should feel at home. Kenneth Howell brings it to us in living color.”

— Mike Aquilina, Author or editor of more than thirty books, including The Fathers of the Church, The Mass of the Early Christians, and A Year with the Church Fathers.

“An eminent scholar now give us a fresh and lively translation of two of the Church’s basic documents. In Dr. Howell’s translation of St. Clement’s letter we read a about vigorous exercise of papal magisterium in the first century to end schism in the church of Corinth. His translation of the Didache makes it read like a modern church bulletin, of which it is the very first.”

Rev. Ray Ryland, Chaplain, the Coming Home Network International

“As a life long admirer of Ignatius and Polycarp, I welcome Dr. Howell’s new translation and commentary. For all serious Christians interested in the early church, this book is a must, but especially for Evangelical Protestants who are now discovering the post apostolic Church. This new edition will open many doors for true ecumenical dialogue between Evangelical, Catholic and Orthodox serious disciples of Christ. It is also powerful spiritual reading.”

— Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR