Saint Patrick's Teachings

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   Chase Chartierposted 7 years ago

   
   Since tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, I think it's a good time to ask this question. I've heard a few debates on it and studied this part of church history to some extent but I'm not totally sure.
   
   The question is: Since he lived before the Reformation era, do you think St. Patrick's theology would have been more in line with Catholic teaching or Protestant teaching?

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      Peopleofthebookposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I personally have not yet read Patrick's writings, so I can only conjecture, but many of the developments that became hallmarks of the Roman Catholic Church had not yet developed (or were very young and not yet codified) in Patrick's day, so I would tend to say his theology would lean more "Protestant," although I am wary of using that term to describe him. Reformation theology is largely marked by a well developed systematic approach to theology that first millennium writers (with the notable exception of Augustine) did not tend to exhibit.

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      1. 67

         Chase Chartierposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         That sounds pretty good. It might be kind of hard to tell just because Roman Catholicism wasn't there yet so obviously Protestants weren't either. I guess it comes down to which group is biblical and whether you believe St Patrick was orthodox.

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   RTalloniposted 7 years ago

   Saint Patrick's life is quite an interesting study. The reading I've done tells me that he would say that religion and denominations were not and are not the issue. He would be quick to tell us that in Christ alone is grace for this life and eternity found, quick to praise God for His mercy to the humble, repentant heart.
   
   Saint Patrick's life is a testament of the work of glory and grace of Jesus the Christ in a human heart and mind. It is a sad thing that his memory has been so desecrated by myths but I'm thankful for his preserved record. McHugh's book The Life and Legacy of Saint Patrick is an enlightening look at the amazing life of this celebrated man.

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