Patristic Essentials

The Patristic Essentials series is designed to provide a curated collection of readings from important Church Fathers.

Series Editors

Jacob N. Cerone
Michael A.G. Haykin
Kevin Douglas Hill
Todd A. Scacewater

Series Preface

Since the middle of the twentieth century, English readers have seen a resurgence in English translations and editions of early Christian texts, including writings from the Patristic era.[1] New translations and critical editions have been produced for both popular and lesser-known texts. Compilations dedicated to specific themes have also emerged, such as a series on Patristic interpretations of Scripture. In light of this resurgence, readers may ask, quite understandably, do we need another series?

This series was borne out of the conviction that, despite this welcome resurgence in Patristic resources, certain gaps remain. With the increasing number of Patristic works available, students and non-experts face greater difficulties determining which texts to focus on. Should one begin with the classics, such as those by Athanasius and Augustine, and then move out from there? Or is it best to work through early Christian literature chronologically? Regardless of one’s chosen path, readers must still determine the specific works and editions to read. Older translations of many works are available online, but these translations are often in archaic English, and they do not benefit from the latest scholarship and critical editions. Modern translations and editions benefit from improved accuracy and readability, but at times they are difficult to access due to cost and availability.

The present series aims to partially solve these problems by providing expertly curated readings in accessible translations at an affordable cost. Each volume includes a helpful introduction written by a leading or emerging scholar. To reduce cost, existing translations have been revised to reflect contemporary English and improve accuracy in consultation with the original languages (using critical editions where possible). The editors and curators have also consulted newer translations of difficult passages (indicated in the footnotes). To make references and further research more accessible to a broad English audience, references have been generally restricted to a limited number of useful secondary sources available in English, and the names of Patristic texts and other ancient works have been given in English rather than Latin.  

The specific writers and texts included in each volume have been carefully considered to provide selections that will represent the broader body of Patristic literature and will also be useful to readers as diverse as students, theologians, and church leaders. To facilitate this goal, selections focus on the following five categories, listed alphabetically.

1. Biblical Interpretation. Material that represents significant early Christian hermeneutics and exegesis, including early Christian uses of Scripture, interpretations of key Scriptures, and contributions to the formation of the canon of Scripture.
2. Christian Spirituality and Practice. Material that represents significant early Christian ethics, spiritual practices, and other perspectives on living in the world as followers of Christ.               
3. Church History and Context. Material that represents historical contexts, including significant early Christian events, experiences, or practices.
4. Reception History. Material that is of considerable influence or significance in Christian thought or in the reception of ancient Christian literature.
5. Theology. Material that is representative of significant early Christian theological beliefs, perspectives, debates, or questions.

In sum, Patristic Essentials is designed to provide a curated collection of essential readings from early Christian literature for a broad audience, in an accessible and attractive format, with new introductions written by experts familiar with the latest scholarship.

Seeking Proposals

We invite scholars to apply to write an introduction on individual Fathers or to curate the readings for a volume. Inquire further: kevin@bridgingtheology.com.

Early Volumes

• Christianity in the First and Second Centuries: Essential Readings. 2022. Edited by Kevin Douglas Hill. Introduction by Paul Foster.
• The Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed: Essential Readings. Expected Spring 2024. Edited by Kevin Douglas Hill and Todd A. Scacewater. Introduction by Donald Fairbairn.
• Irenaeus: Essential Readings. Expected Fall 2023. Edited and Introduced by Ched Spellman.
• Augustine: Essential Readings. Expected Fall 2026. Edited by Coleman Ford.
• Clement of Alexandria: Essential Readings. Expected Fall 2025. Edited by Cody Barnhart.
• The Christological Controversies from Ephesus (431) to Chalcedon (451): Essential Readings. Edited by Donald Fairbairn. Expected Spring 2025.
• The Cappadocian Fathers: Essential Readings. Edited by Michael A.G. Haykin. Expected Fall 2025.
• John Chrysostom: Essential Readings. Edited by Maria Verhoeff. Expected Fall 2026.
• Early Church Historians: Essential Readings. Expected Fall 2026.