Church History
12/2/25
Schaff, Philip. (2014). "Chapter X. Church Fathers, and Theological Literature." In History of the Christian Church. (The Complete Eight Volumes in One). Volume 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600, from Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great. (pp. 2562-2700). (Original work published 1889). Amazon Kindle Edition. (Personal Library). (sections 161-180).
"§173. Lactantius." (pp. 2640-2643).
Having discussed the prominent Greek Fathers, Schaff turns to the Latin Fathers, beginning with Lactantius, who in theology belongs more to the ante-Nicene period than the Nicene (Schaff 2014, p. 2641). His origin is a matter of some debate, prior to his apparent conversion around the time of the Diocletian persecution. Lactantius was chosen by Constantine to educate his son, Crispus, prior to Crispus' execution in 326. Lactantius likely died in the imperial household about 330.
Lactantius was a notable author, showing broad learning and a refined style, resulting in his being referred to as a Christian Cicero (Schaff 2014, p. 2642). His works, in Jerome's estimation, were more apt for refuting error than in positive articulation of truth. However, his Institutes are commonly read and appreciated. Schaff notes that from a doctrinal standpoint Lactantius bordered on Manichaeism, that he was a subordinationist, and that he found Christ to have two nativities: one at creation and another at incarnation.
Schaff briefly reviews the extant works of Lactantius (Schaff 2014, p. 2643).
"§174. Hilary of Poitiers." (pp. 2643-2645).
Hilary, born in Poitiers, where he later served as bishop, has been compared to Athanasius due to his forceful stand against Arianism (Schaff 2014, p. 2644). Born in the third century, Hilary became a Christian in adulthood, along with his wife and daughter. He became bishop of Poitiers in 350. His stand against Arianism resulted in a banishment to Asia Minor from 356-361. He was recalled, then banished, living in retirement until dying in 368.
Schaff reviews a number of Hilary's written works in brief (Schaff 2014, pp. 2644-2645).
12/2/25
Schaff, Philip. (2014). "Chapter X. Church Fathers, and Theological Literature." In History of the Christian Church. (The Complete Eight Volumes in One). Volume 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600, from Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great. (pp. 2562-2700). (Original work published 1889). Amazon Kindle Edition. (Personal Library). (sections 161-180).
"§173. Lactantius." (pp. 2640-2643).
Having discussed the prominent Greek Fathers, Schaff turns to the Latin Fathers, beginning with Lactantius, who in theology belongs more to the ante-Nicene period than the Nicene (Schaff 2014, p. 2641). His origin is a matter of some debate, prior to his apparent conversion around the time of the Diocletian persecution. Lactantius was chosen by Constantine to educate his son, Crispus, prior to Crispus' execution in 326. Lactantius likely died in the imperial household about 330.
Lactantius was a notable author, showing broad learning and a refined style, resulting in his being referred to as a Christian Cicero (Schaff 2014, p. 2642). His works, in Jerome's estimation, were more apt for refuting error than in positive articulation of truth. However, his Institutes are commonly read and appreciated. Schaff notes that from a doctrinal standpoint Lactantius bordered on Manichaeism, that he was a subordinationist, and that he found Christ to have two nativities: one at creation and another at incarnation.
Schaff briefly reviews the extant works of Lactantius (Schaff 2014, p. 2643).
"§174. Hilary of Poitiers." (pp. 2643-2645).
Hilary, born in Poitiers, where he later served as bishop, has been compared to Athanasius due to his forceful stand against Arianism (Schaff 2014, p. 2644). Born in the third century, Hilary became a Christian in adulthood, along with his wife and daughter. He became bishop of Poitiers in 350. His stand against Arianism resulted in a banishment to Asia Minor from 356-361. He was recalled, then banished, living in retirement until dying in 368.
Schaff reviews a number of Hilary's written works in brief (Schaff 2014, pp. 2644-2645).
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