This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the doctrine of purgatory, tracing its development from early Christian beliefs to modern theological debates.
More Studies
Sola Scriptura vs. Sacred Tradition Through the Ages - Part 3: Post-Nicene to Schism (325-1054 AD)
Part 3 of the series examining the historical understanding of biblical authority vs. sacred Tradition across Church history. This part focuses on the Post-Nicene period through the Great Schism.
Clerical Celibacy in Catholicism: Historical Development and Theological Debates
This paper provides a comprehensive historical survey of the development of clerical celibacy in Catholicism, tracing its origins and evolution across four key periods. It examines the Catholic Church's practice and rationale for celibacy, engaging the contrasting perspectives of Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism.
The History of the Doctrine of Justification: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant Views
This paper provides a comprehensive historical survey of the doctrine of justification, tracing its development from the early church through the medieval period and into the Reformation and modern eras. We will examine what early Christian writers believed about faith, works, and salvation in each major period: (1) the **Apostolic and early post-Apostolic era (pre-150 AD)**, (2) the **Ante-Nicene period (150–325 AD)**, (3) the **Patristic period (Post-Nicene through 8th century)**, (4) the **Medieval era (9th–15th centuries)**, and (5) the **Reformation and modern period (16th century to today)**.
Protestant Reformation Theology in Historical Perspective
This paper provides a comprehensive historical survey of the Protestant Reformation, tracing its development from the early church through the medieval period and into the Reformation and modern eras. We will examine what early Christian writers believed about faith, works, and salvation in each major period: (1) the **Apostolic and early post-Apostolic era (pre-150 AD)**, (2) the **Ante-Nicene period (150–325 AD)**, (3) the **Patristic period (Post-Nicene through 8th century)**, (4) the **Medieval era (9th–15th centuries)**, and (5) the **Reformation and modern period (16th century onward)**.
Sola Scriptura vs. Sacred Tradition Through the Ages - Part 1: Early Church (Pre-150 AD)
Part 1 of the series examining the historical understanding of biblical authority vs. sacred Tradition across Church history. This part focuses on the Early Church period before 150 AD.
Baptism in Christianity: A Historical and Theological Analysis of Catholic and Calvinist Perspectives
This paper examines primary sources across four key periods – the Early Church (pre-150 AD), the ante-Nicene period (150–325 AD), the post-Nicene and medieval era (325–1500 AD, noting the 1054 East–West split), and the Reformation to modern times – to understand how baptismal theology developed. We will analyze what early Church Fathers, councils, medieval theologians, Reformers, and confessions taught about baptism. By comparing the Catholic sacramental view with Calvin’s Reformed view, we will assess which position is better supported historically and theologically. In doing so, we will also consider underlying assumptions (such as **sola scriptura**, the principle that doctrine must rest on Scripture alone) and whether those assumptions were present in the early Church.
The Eucharist in Christian History: A Comparative Theological Study
This paper examines primary sources across four key periods – the Early Church (pre-150 AD), the ante-Nicene period (150–325 AD), the post-Nicene and medieval era (325–1500 AD, noting the 1054 East–West split), and the Reformation to modern times – to understand how Eucharistic theology developed. We will analyze what early Church Fathers, councils, medieval theologians, Reformers, and confessions taught about the Eucharist. By comparing the Catholic sacramental view with Calvin’s Reformed view, we will assess which position is better supported historically and theologically. In doing so, we will also consider underlying assumptions (such as **sola scriptura**, the principle that doctrine must rest on Scripture alone) and whether those assumptions were present in the early Church.
St. Ignatius of Antioch and His Letters: Authenticity, Doctrine, and Ecclesiology
This paper discusses the letters of St. Ignatius of Antioch, examining their authenticity, doctrinal themes, and their significance for understanding early Christian ecclesiology and Church authority.
The Protestant Schism: A Historical and Theological Analysis
This paper studies the Protestant Schism, examining the causes and effects of the Reformation's division into numerous denominations. It explores the theological and historical roots of Protestant fragmentation, focusing on the role of sola scriptura and private interpretation in creating a splintered church landscape.
Mary in Christian Doctrine: Historical and Theological Perspectives
This paper examines primary sources across four key periods – the Early Church (pre-150 AD), the ante-Nicene period (150–325 AD), the post-Nicene and medieval era (325–1500 AD, noting the 1054 East–West split), and the Reformation to modern times – to understand how Mariology developed. We will analyze what early Church Fathers, councils, medieval theologians, Reformers, and confessions taught about Mary. By comparing the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox veneration of Mary with Protestant perspectives, we will assess which position is better supported historically and theologically. In doing so, we will also consider underlying assumptions (such as **sola scriptura**, the principle that doctrine must rest on Scripture alone) and whether those assumptions were present in the early Church.
Sola Scriptura vs. Sacred Tradition (150–325 AD): An Academic Study
This is the second part of the series 'Sola Scriptura vs. Sacred Tradition Through the Ages'. It covers the period from 150 AD to 325 AD and shows that the early Church did not operate under a 'Scripture alone' framework.
Sola Scriptura vs Sacred Tradition (1054–16th Century)
This is the fourth part of the series 'Sola Scriptura vs. Sacred Tradition Through the Ages'. It covers the period from 1054 AD to the 16th century and shows that the early Church did not operate under a 'Scripture alone' framework.
Sola Scriptura vs. Sacred Tradition: Post-Reformation To Today
This is the fifth part of the series 'Sola Scriptura vs. Sacred Tradition Through the Ages'. It covers the period from the Reformation to modern times and shows that the early Church did not operate under a 'Scripture alone' framework.
Executive Summary: Sola Scriptura vs. Sacred Tradition Through the Ages
This is the executive summary of the paper 'Sola Scriptura vs. Sacred Tradition Through the Ages'. It is a summary of the series that will go in depth into the history of the Church's understanding of the relationship between Scripture and Tradition.