On the Shoulders of Giants: Lessons from Church History
“If I have been able to see further than others, it was only because I stand on the shoulders of giants.” (Issac Newton) Whether we realize it or not, everything we believe, do, think, and imagine is built off generations that have gone before us. In this series, we will explore three key figures in church history who continue to shape our lives and our world.
Week 1: A Handbook for Combating Demons Evagrius of Pontus
In the 4th century, after the Roman Empire was officially declared "Christian," thousands of men and women fled to the deserts of Egypt. They were literally following Jesus's example of going into the wilderness to face their demons. This week, we'll explore the story of one such "Desert Father" named Evagrius. In the wilderness, Evagrius faced his own demons and learned to help others face theirs. He then went on to give us a taxonomy of temptation that we know as the seven deadly sins.
Week 2: Knowing God & Knowing Yourself: Bernard of Clairvaux
If you are looking for a spiritual guide, you will be hard pressed to find one better than Bernard of Clairvaux. He is famous for his historical and political exploits. (After all, he was involved in untangling a Church schism and starting the Knights Templar!) But his theological and devotional works are worth savoring. He was a student of the love of God and of the human soul, making him a faithful guide to those seeking to know God and know themselves more deeply.
Week 3: Walk as Jesus Walked: Francis of Assissi
Francis of Assisi was a simple man who changed the world by living like Jesus. That's it. He sought to literally do what Jesus did: embrace lepers, serve the poor, love his enemies, own nothing, and trust God for everything. To this day, Francis's joy-filled life stands as a convicting and inspiring reminder that the life and teaching of Jesus is not impossible to follow. Rather, it is the way of pax et bonum (peace & all good)!
