The early Christian named Justin Martyr wrote this in 151 A.D.?

Question

Regarding the Holy Eucharist:

"And this food is called among us Eukaristia [the Eucharist], of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things which we teach are true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is so living as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh."

More early Christian writings can be found here:
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/

Do the writings of the early Christians have any value, or should we only look at what modern day Christians write???

"By the time of the church fathers in the 2nd and 3rd century, there was already a confusion of beliefs and other philosophies inserted into doctrine"

Isn't the situation even worse today with the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of independent preachers that have popped up ???

Answer 1

You should read what ever you like. We are lucky if we get people to read their Bibles, much less other Christian writings.
If written in a more modern translation I would really appreciate it.
I really like C.S. Lewis writings.

Answer 2

They give some insight on many of the teachings of the church. However, wouldn't it be more beneficial to read more of what the apostles and other Bible writers wrote for our instruction. I use Bible study aids that i get from my congregation, but i compare those to the Bible constantly. The problem is that some people put all their attention to to secular or religious writings about Bible topics, but so much of it just ends up confusing them. Jesus and the apostles Paul and John all warned that wicked men would infiltrate the congregation and lead off sheep for themselves. By the time of the church fathers in the 2nd and 3rd century, there was already a confusion of beliefs and other philosophies inserted into doctrine. Remember the saying at Ecclesiates 12; 12 " As regards anything beside these , ( words of the wise ones) my son, take warning: to the making of many books there is no end and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh. " The Bible itself though has withstood the test of time as proved by the discovery of the Dead sea scrolls, these proving that it has come down to us almost unchanged from over 2000 years ago.

Answer 3

The early Christian writings show that the Catholic Church teaches today, what the leaders of the early church had already agreed was true, way back then.

The same body of writings also provides an excellent context for understanding the true meaning and intent of all scripture.

Studying the early Church writings could also lead one to question the veracity of the claims made by many of the original protestant reformers, and their successors.

Those who choose to follow late faith traditions which have separated themselves from the original church, must be careful with these types of things, lest they inadvertantly discover the truth.

Answer 4

They have some value, but they did ot always agree with one another at the time either.
Neither should we give too much authority to what modern day christians write. I prefer to take my authority directly from the Scriptutres, while reading and considering seriously what the early believers had to say, and what theologians of today say.

Answer 5

I think we should mainly believe what the Bible says which is to remember His death and burial by taking communion. I dont however see anywhere in the Bible I have that says it turns to the literal blood and body of Christ when I take it. If it does thats ok too. Its totally up to Him and is not an issue with me. Is it you? His life comes into me as I believe on Jesus and His Spirit comes into me to live. It is His resurrection life.