The History of the Christian Church - 2000 Years of Christian Thought.
A History Podcast of the Christian Church told through the lives and thoughts of it's greatest thinkers.
Season 1 – A.D. 1 – A.D. 500
Plato and Greek philosophy.
Apostolic fathers
Justin Martyr
Irenaeus
Clement of Alexandria
Origin
Cyprian
Eusebius of Caesarea.
Council of Nicaea
Athanasies.
Ephraim the Syrian.
The Cappadocian fathers.
The Council of Constantinople
Ambrose
John Chrysostom.
Jerome.
Augustine
Cyril of Alexandria.
The Council of Ephesus
Theodor of Cyrus
Leo the great.
The Council of Chelsea and.
The Apostles Creed.
The History of the Christian Church - 2000 Years of Christian Thought.
A History of the Christian Church (Part 16) Jerome (c.340–420 AD) Translating the Bible into Latin
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Welcome to "My History of the Christian Church Podcast," where we dive deep into the lives of the most influential figures in Christian history. In this first season, we've been exploring the lives, works, and legacies of some of the early church’s most compelling figures. Today, we're focusing on Jerome, a controversial theologian whose legacy continues to divide Christians. His influence is still felt throughout the Christian world, primarily due to his monumental task of translating the Bible into Latin—the Vulgate. But there's much more to this fiery scholar than meets the eye.
Jerome was a man of contradictions. He was a towering intellect who could bend the Scriptures to his will, yet he was also a fierce polemicist, unafraid to attack his opponents with a sharp tongue and an even sharper pen. A lifelong ascetic who embraced the harshness of desert living, Jerome was nonetheless deeply embroiled in the political and theological intrigues of his time. His life was marked by intense spiritual struggles and passionate defenses of orthodox doctrine, aligned with a relentless pursuit of holiness that often put him at odds with his contemporaries—and even himself.
But who was Jerome, really? Was he a saintly scholar driven by a divine mission, or a troubled soul whose internal battles spilled over into his relationships and writings? In this episode, we will critically examine Jerome's life, peeling back the layers of myth and legend to uncover the man behind the supposed ‘saint or sinner,’ depending on your point of view. From his early years as a restless student in Rome to his later life in Bethlehem as a revered but isolated translator, we'll explore the complexities and contradictions that defined Jerome's life and work.
Join us as we journey through the tumultuous world of early Christianity and discover how Jerome's legacy still shapes the church today. Welcome to today’s episode of "The History of the Christian Church: 2000 Years of Christian Thought."
Episode Notes:
Jerome’s Early Life and Education
Desert Asceticism and Spiritual Struggles
Return to Civilization and Role in Rome
The Vulgate and Theological Contributions
Opposition to Pelagianism and Influence of Origenism
Legacy and Critique
As we reflect on Jerome's life and work, we can appreciate his zeal for Scripture while also recognizing the need to align our beliefs and practices with the clear teachings of the Bible. His legacy challenges the modern church to remain vigilant in our pursuit of truth, ensuring that our faith is grounded not in tradition but in the Word of God alone.
Join us next time as we continue exploring the lives of those who have shaped Christian thought over the centuries.