June 1
Justin , Martyr at Rome
Died c. 165
Nowadays, we are quite happy to read John 1:1 and sit comfortably with the idea, ‘In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.’ But when you think about it, it is actually a really difficult idea to understand! What is the Word? How can the Word be both God and with God? Without the work of Justin we might not have as clear an idea about this as we do today.
Justin was a Palestinian Gentile Christian who was well versed in both Greek philosophy and the Jewish faith. He was a deeply intelligent and wise man, able to combine many different strands of thinking and incorporate it all into a profound understanding of what the Christian faith is all about. He was particularly concerned to unravel the idea of ‘Logos’ – the Word, which is mentioned in John 1:1.
After a particular dispute in Rome, Justin was condemned for his faith. He was put on trial with six of his companions and then beheaded.
Discussion Points
• How do you understand the idea of Jesus being the Word of God?
• How important is it to get our theology ‘correct’? In what ways are your ideas about God still developing?
• Which Christian books have most shaped your own faith? Why?
June 9
Columba
Died 597
Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster? Nessie plays a part in the life of St. Columba, who has left a major imprint on the development of the Church in Britain. Legend has it that Nessie killed a man and attacked one of Columba’s disciples – but Columba defended his friend and cast the monster into the depths of Loch Ness! Whether that is true or not, we cannot deny the influence of Columba on the Church.
He was born in County Donegal in Ireland and, after studying theology, became a monk and a priest. But all was not peaceful in Columba’s world. In 560 AD, an argument with Saint Finian over a copy of the Psalms escalated into a battle in which many men were killed. Accepting his responsibility, Columba decided to leave Ireland for Scotland and vowed to convert as many people as had been killed in the battle.
After moving to Iona, he developed a powerful Christian mission across the west coast of Scotland. Columba performed many miracles and became engaged with tribal politics. A major part of his work at Iona was to raise up Christian missionaries.
Discussion Points
• What do you know about the Christian ministry on Iona? How might you engage with this for yourself?
• Have you ever used Celtic liturgy or been to a Celtic worship service? What did you think about it? How might we use the Celtic tradition in youth ministry?
• Have you ever had an argument that escalated too far? How did it resolve itself? What might have been the best way to act in the circumstance if you had the chance again?
June 14
Richard Baxter
Died 1691
The 17th Century was one of the most incredible periods of British history for producing fine theologians. Richard Baxter was among the most influential. Baxter was born in Shropshire and devoted his entire life to the study of theology and the work of a pastor. He was an incredibly powerful preacher and transformed the lives of thousands of people through his ministry.
Baxter became a minister in Kidderminster. During his 19 years there, he wrote The Reformed Pastor, a book which still sells well today. But he was forced to leave Kidderminster during the Civil War and move to Coventry. Before returning to his beloved town, he wrote his most famous work of all, The Saints’ Everlasting Rest.
After some time living in London, he retired to Acton to pursue his studies. He was arrested on a number of occasions and, at the age of 70, was imprisoned for 18 months, in poor conditions. Finally, he was released and died peacefully at home in 1691.
Discussion Points
• There are so many denominations – does it matter which one you follow? What are the reasons you attend your own church rather than going to another one?
• How can you be involved in promoting good ecumenical relationships in the area where you live?
June 27
Cyril of Alexandria
Died 444
Wouldn’t it be nice to go down in history with the nickname ‘Pillar of faith’? Well, that is how Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, is still known in many parts of the world. But despite that, he was a very controversial figure and not loved by everyone.
Cyril was an Egyptian, appointed as patriarch after the death of his predecessor, his Uncle Theophilus. From the beginning of his reign, he was opposed by many, most notably Nestorius. Cyril believed Jesus to be the embodiment of God, Nestorius believed that Jesus was a good moral example to follow. A Council was called at Ephesus to discuss the issue and found in favour of Cyril; Nestorius was exiled. But the Council had not waited for Nestorius and his supporters to arrive, when they did another Council was called and, this time, Cyril was accused of heresy! He was arrested but escaped. The argument continued and eventually resulted in a split in the Church. Until he died, Cyril devoted himself to writing on such topics as the Trinity and the incarnation.
Discussion Points
• How should churches sort out their differences when they disagree over matters of the faith?
• The church in Egypt suffers terrible persecution. How can we support our brothers and sisters there?
