Fathers of the Church Trivia Quiz

Answer: Tertullian

Quintus Septimius Flores Tertullianus (c. 155 - c. 220).

Tertullian one of the first Church fathers to write extensively in Latin. Some of his theological beliefs - subordinating the Son and the Holy Spirit to the Father - are seen as somewhat controversial today. Traditionally, Tertullian is thought to have been a lawyer, and his writing shows at least some familiarity with the law. The concept of "trinity" is at least implicit in the New Testament. It was Tertullian who explicitly identify it as "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit".

Answer: Augustine

Aurelius Augustinus Hipponesis (354-430).

Augustine served not only as a theologian but also as the Bishop of Hippo, a city in what is now Algeria. In his writings he described the City of God as distinct from earthly cities. This is the focus of his view on history. Augustine features many additional theological questions, including the existence of evil and the role of free will.

Answer: Jerome

Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus (c. 342-420).

Jerome's translation of the Bible was into Latin directly from the Hebrew of the Old Testament rather than the intermediate step of being translated from the Greek of the Septuagint. The Vulgate continues to be important to the Catholic Church. Jerome also wrote a number of commentaries on the Bible. In addition, he wrote various histories of the Church.

Answer: Ambrose

Aurelius Ambrosius (339-397).

As Bishop, Ambrose was a fierce supporter of Nicene Christianity and opponent of Arianism. He was also the author of a number of hymns. Ambrose would become the patron saint of Milan and beekeepers. He also helped to convert Augustine to Christianity. As bishop, Ambrose was known for his simple, ascetic lifestyle.

Answer: Origen

Origen Adamantius (c. 185 - c. 253).

Origen was a Christian scholar and theologian. His work "On the First Principles" addressed various fundamental principles of Christian theology. He composed hundreds of sermons, covering practically the entire Bible. He also wrote a comparative study of various translations of the Bible.

Answer: Eusebius

Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 260-339).

He was the Bishop of Caesaria Maritima (in what is now Israel). His "Demonstations of the Gospel" and "Preperations for the Gospel" are studies of the Biblical text. Eusebius was influenced by Origen. His writing shows a familiarity with Greek philosophy. Compared to some authors of antiquity, a fair proportion of Eusebius's work has been preserved.

Answer: Polycarp

Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 69- c. 155).

Polycarp is considered a saint and a martyr in several Christian denominations. A traditional death for martyrs was to be burned at the stake. When his body would seemingly not burn, his executioners stabbed him. This led to blood issuing from the wound and extinguishing the fire. He also served as the Bishop of Smyrna. Traditionally, Polycarp is held to have been ordained by John the Apostle.

Answer: Athanasius

Athanasius the Confessor (c. 293-373).

Athanasius was a proponent of the Trinity and an opponent of Arianism. He served as a Patriarch of Alexandria (in Egypt). Those who call Athanasius the first to name the 27 books of the New Testament reference his Easter letter of 367. He was known for his conflict with many other Church leaders.

Answer: Gregory

Saint Gregory the Great (c. 540-604).

Gregory was named Pope in 590. He was the first Pope to come from a monastic background. On a visit to the Roman slave market, he observed some fair-haired Anglo-Saxons. Gregory is said to have observed they were "not Angles, but Angels". He appointed Augustine the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 597.

Answer: Ephrem

Ephrem the Syrian (306-373).

Ephrem was a notable author of hymns in Eastern Christianity. He was the author of numerous sermons, both in verse and in prose. He was one of the most successful Syriac-speaking Church fathers. He was the author of Biblical commentaries.