St. Ambrose Research Paper

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As one of the Doctors of the Church, Saint Ambrose is considered by many to be one of the greatest early Christian theologians. His writings are still studied, and his influence is still felt hundreds of years after his death. St. Ambrose was born in A.D. 339 in the town of Trier located in modern day Germany. At the age of 33, Ambrose was a successful lawyer, owned a large estate, and was governor of Milan. At this time, though, Milan was split between Arian heretics, those who believed that Christ was not fully divine, and orthodox Christians. After the death of the violent Arian Bishop of Milan, Auxentius, the people rioted over who should take his place. Therefore, it fell on Ambrose to keep the peace, while the general election was held. Ambrose gathered all the clergy in the cathedral, and as he gave a speech on the importance of peace, the chant “Ambrose for bishop” was shouted throughout the church. Ambrose fled from the position, but after…show more content…
Augustine, his works are often invoked by popes, councils, and theologians. His writings are immensely practical, more resembling simple homilies, rather than long theological dissertations. Arguably his most influential moral work is his writing on the duties of Christian ecclesiastics, titled “De Officiis Ministrorum” or “The Offices of Ministers”. It acts as a manual for Christian morality, and greatly resembles the writing style of Cicero. He is also known for his writing on the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Blessed Eucharist, called “De Mysteriis”. Unfortunately his work solely on the sacrament of Baptism has been lost, although it has often been quoted by St. Augustine. Possibly his most important work, was his discourse against the heretic Auxentius, titled “Contra Auxentium de Basilicis Tradendis”. This, as well as his two discourses on the bodies of Milanese martyrs Gervasius and Protasius are greatly valued historical

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