First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

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First Christian Voices

Discussion Questions

Division, sedition, and schism are all weighty words when we consider God’s desire for the church to be united. As you consider how the

Apostolic Fathers described various instances of disunity in the early church, where do you see similarities in the church today? As you think about where you saw similarities between the early church’s struggle for unity and the church today, what proposals would you make to help resolve the fragmentation of Christianity?

At the heart of division, according to the writers of 1 Clement, is envy. It manifests in many forms and ultimately results in destruction. As you

think back on this chapter, perhaps even earlier chapters, how do the Apostolic Fathers encourage you to guard your heart from the ways of darkness? In what ways might you anticipate the attacks of the Prince of the world on your heart?

Considering the proposals you suggested for resolving the fragmentation of Christianity, what can you practically do to implement

those proposals in your communities?

As you think about division and the demonic, what daily actions might protect your mind against those influences which cause disunity

and destruction?