St Basil the Great

"On The Human Condition" by St. Basil the Great, part of the Popular Patristics Series (Book 30), explores the nature of humanity from a theological perspective. In this work, St. Basil addresses fundamental aspects of human existence, including the nature of the soul, the role of free will, and the relationship between humanity and God. His reflections offer insights into Christian anthropology and ethics, providing a profound understanding of the human condition within the framework of Christian doctrine. This text is essential for those interested in early Christian thought and the theological understanding of human nature.

You are the fountain of life, light, and all grace and truth The hearts of the first Christians beat with praise for Christ. The strength of their devotion is remarkable, considering the times of uncertainty and persecution in which they lived. Despite all of this, the early church flourished, sustained by the God to whom they prayed. Christians today have a lot to learn from the devotional life of the early church. In Fount of Heaven, a collection of carefully selected prayers from the first six centuries of the church, we can pray with our spiritual forefathers. Prayers from luminaries such as Clement of Rome, Irenaeus, and Augustine are arranged by theme to reveal the right prayer for the moment. The prayers have been slightly updated to read more easily, but they retain their joy and mystery. As we turn to the prayers of the first Christians, we can return to the foundations of our own faith.

PREFACE 5 ON BAPTISM CHAPTER I 6 BAPTISM OF JOHN CHAPTER II 11 CHRISTIAN BAPTISM CHAPTER III 16 APOSTOLIC PRACTICE CHAPTER IV 19 OBJECTIONS OF "THE FRIENDS" CHAPTER V 24 ORIGINAL SIN CHAPTER VI 30 NECESSITY OF BAPTISM CHAPTER VII 38 EFFECTS OF BAPTISM CHAPTER VIII 48 ORIGIN OF THE BAPTISTS CHAPTER IX 51 BAPTISM OF INFANTS CHAPTER X 61 MODES OF BAPTISM CHAPTER XI 72 MEANING OF THE TERM: BAPTIZE APPENDIX TO CHAPTER XI 78 CHAPTER XII 80 APOSTOLIC PRECEDENTS CHAPTER XIII 82 DISPOSITIONS FOR BAPTISM CHAPTER XIV 85 CEREMONIES OF BAPTISM EXHORTATION TO BAPTISM 91 BY ST. BASIL THE GREAT TREATISE ON CONFIRMATION CHAPTER I 98 DIVINE INSTITUTION CHAPTER II 104 RITES OF CONFIRMATION