A Letter from the Second Century That Shames Modern Christianity

In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Stephen Boyce explores one of the most beautiful and overlooked writings of the early Church — the Epistle to Diognetus. Written in the second century, this anonymous apology offers a stunning portrait of early Christian identity before Constantine, before the great councils, and before Christianity held cultural influence.

What did Christians actually believe about their place in the world?

How did they explain themselves to pagan critics?

And what does it mean that Christians are described as “the soul in the body” of the world?

We’ll examine the historical background of the letter, its theology, its apologetic strategy, and its powerful vision of Christians living as citizens of heaven while dwelling among the nations. Long before Christendom, this text shows us a faith that was confident, distinct, and radically countercultural.

If you want to understand how the earliest Christians saw themselves — and what that means for the Church today — this episode is for you.

#ChurchHistory #EarlyChristianity #EpistleToDiognetus #Patristics #Apologetics #FACTSPodcast

If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

Link to the Letter: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0101.htm