Living Wisely with the Church Fathers

The first centuries of Christianity are like a far country. But despite their foreignness, they hold a treasury of wisdom for living. Early Christians struggled and flourished in a culture that was in love with empire and military power, infatuated with sex and entertainment, tolerant of all gods but hostile to the One. And from this crucible of discipleship they extracted lessons of virtue, faithfulness, and joy in Christ. Christopher Hall takes us to the ancient Mediterranean world, inquiring Christian leaders how to live a good life as a Christ follower. The menu of topics wends its way through wealth and poverty, war and violence, marriage and sexuality, theater and the arena, as well as the harsh realities of persecution and martyrdom. Gathering around Basil or Chrysostom or Augustine, we are instructed anew in the way of discipleship. And as they grapple with issues surprisingly resonant with our own, this cloud of ancient witnesses both surprises and challenges us in the lifeof faith.

Christopher A. Hall (PhD, Drew University) served as president of Renovaré from 2015–2022. Previously, he was director of academic spiritual formation and Distinguished Professor of Theology at Eastern University. He is the associate editor of The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, and his many authored books include Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers, Learning Theology with the Church Fathers, Worshiping with the Church Fathers, and Living Wisely with the Church Fathers. Chris and his wife, Debbie, reside in Philadelphia. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.