Patristics studies early Christian theologians (Church Fathers, 2nd-8th centuries CE) who synthesized Christianity with Greek philosophy, developing Christian doctrine.
Emerged 2nd century CE. Ecumenical Councils defined orthodoxy. Augustine (354-430) most influential Western Father.
Greek Fathers: Origen, Athanasius, Gregory of Nyssa, Latin Fathers: Tertullian, Ambrose, Augustine.
Trinity. Christology. Faith and reason. Creation ex nihilo. Original sin and grace. Divine simplicity.
Established Christian theological framework. Augustine shaped Western Christianity. Influenced medieval scholasticism.
