When we chase happiness in health, pleasure, or even the soul itself, we’re bound to be disappointed—because the body fails, delights fade, and even our own virtue longs for something higher. Augustine warns us not to fight over whose interpretation of Moses is right, but instead to cling to truth and love of neighbor. And Origen presses us to consider that even human temptations and struggles come from deeper causes than flesh alone, pointing us toward the soul’s freedom in God. Together, these voices remind us: happiness is only found when the restless heart meets its true end in Him.Origen – De Principiis (Peri Archon), "On First Principles", Book 3, Chapter 4Augustine – Confessions, Book 12, Chapters 24–25Thomas Aquinas – Summa Theologica, First Part of the Second Part, Question 3, Articles 4–6Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
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Through the Church Fathers: September 13
Origen defends the Church’s confession that the world had a beginning and will have an end, for creation itself was “subjected in hope” and awaits renewal (Romans 8:20–21). Augustine insists that truth belongs to all and must be held in charity, not arrogance. Aquinas concludes his first section on happiness by showing that bodily and external goods, though blessings, cannot be man’s final goal. Even virtues point beyond themselves. Only the vision of God satisfies the heart (Revelation 22:4).Origen, De Principiis, Book 1, Chapter 5Augustine, Confessions, Book 12, Chapter 24 (second section)Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Q.3, Articles 7–8Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
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Through the Church Fathers: September 12
Where do our temptations come from? Origen analyzes whether they arise from flesh, spirit, or hostile powers, concluding that while natural movements like hunger are not demonic, the devil exploits our excesses (1 Peter 5:8). Augustine counsels humility in interpretation, warning us not to claim Moses for our side but to love truth in common. Aquinas rejects wealth, honor, and power as happiness, for they are fragile and fleeting. Only God can satisfy the infinite longing of the soul (Ecclesiastes 5:10).Origen, De Principiis, Book 1, Chapter 4Augustine, Confessions, Book 12, Chapter 25Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Q.3, Articles 5–6Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
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Through the Church Fathers: September 11
Is man’s happiness found in pleasure? Origen distinguishes the wisdom of the world from the wisdom of God, warning that worldly philosophies, though clothed in brilliance, often serve demonic deception (1 Corinthians 2:6–8). Augustine wrestles with what Moses intended in Genesis—was “the beginning” the first instant of time, or the formless start of creation? Either way, God’s truth stands. Aquinas answers that happiness cannot be bodily delight, for pleasure perfects but does not constitute happiness. True happiness lies in the soul’s union with God (Psalm 16:11).Origen, De Principiis, Book 1, Chapter 3 Augustine, Confessions, Book 12, Chapters 23–24 Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Q.3, Article 4Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com
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Through the Church Fathers: September 10
Happiness—what is it really? Today Origen reminds us that the devil and hostile powers seek to entice us, but not all sin comes directly from them—our bodily appetites and misuse of natural desires also play their part (James 1:14). Augustine shows us that Moses may have meant many true things in Genesis, but our confidence must rest in God’s truth, not our own pride of interpretation. Aquinas begins his treatment of happiness by insisting it is not some created possession but the perfected act of the soul beholding God (1 Corinthians 13:12).Origen, De Principiis, Book 1, Chapter 2 Augustine, Confessions, Book 12, Chapter 22 Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Q.3, Articles 1–3Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
Join Through the Church Fathers, a year-long journey into the writings of the early Church Fathers, thoughtfully curated by C. Michael Patton. Each episode features daily readings from key figures like Clement, Augustine, and Aquinas, accompanied by insightful commentary to help you engage with the foundational truths of the Christian faith.Join Our Community: Read along and engage with others on this journey through the Church Fathers. Visit our website.Support the Podcast: Help sustain this work and gain access to exclusive content by supporting C. Michael Patton on Patreon at patreon.com/cmichaelpatton.Dive Deeper into Theology: Explore high-quality courses taught by the world’s greatest scholars at Credo Courses. Visit credocourses.com.Let’s journey through the wisdom of the Church Fathers together—daily inspiration to deepen your faith and understanding of the Christian tradition.
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