Lactantius: The Divine Institutes, Books I–VII
Overview
The most important writing of Lactantius, The Divine Institutes was written between 303 and 311. Intended to point out the futility of pagan beliefs juxtaposed next to the reasonableness and truth of Christianity, this major work is one of the earliest systematic apologetic works written. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “It was the first attempt at a systematic exposition of Christian theology in Latin, and though aimed at certain pamphleteers who were aiding the persecutors by literary assaults on the Church, the work was planned on a scale sufficiently broad enough to silence all opponents.”
For The Fathers of the Church series in its entirety, see Fathers of the Church Series (127 vols.).
Key Features
- An early example of systematic Christian apologetics
- An effective argument in its time, allowing for comparative study
- One of 127 published volumes in a well-respected series on the Church Fathers
Top Highlights
“Just as to walk properly is a good, but to go astray is an evil, so to be moved by the passions toward the right is good, but toward wickedness, evil. If passionate desire does not escape beyond its lawful elevation, even though it be vehement, it is still free from fault; but if it seeks something outside that limit, another person, or his domain, even though it be moderate, it is, however, a very great vice.1 And so it is not a sickness to be angry, or to desire, or to be moved by passion; but to be irascible or violently angry, vehemently and passionately desirous and libidinous is a sickness.” (Page 438)
“He opened the eyes of the blind. A heavenly power opened the eyes of the blind and restored light to those who did not see. But by this act He signified that turning toward the peoples that knew not God, He would enlighten the minds of those not learned with the light of wisdom, and He would open the eyes of their hearts for the contemplation of truth. For, truly, they are blind who, not seeing the things of heaven and overwhelmed with the darkness of ignorance, venerate fragile idols of earth.” (Page 309)
“For just as He is the most indulgent Father toward the just, so He is a most severe judge against the wicked.” (Page 18)
- Title: Lactantius: The Divine Institutes, Books I–VII
- Author: Lactantius
- Series: The Fathers of the Church
- Volume: 49
- Publisher: Catholic University of America
- Print Publication Date: 1964
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Pages: 586
- Era: era:Contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Apologetics › Early works to 1800; Theology, doctrinal
- ISBNs: 9780813215679, 9780813211497, 0813215676, 0813211492
- Resource ID: LLS:DVNNSTTTSBKSV
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:37:56Z