What does the study of the church fathers, known as patristics, involve?

The study of the church fathers, known as patristics, is fundamentally centered around reviewing the writings and influence of early church fathers. These fathers were pivotal figures in the development of early Christian doctrine and theology. Their writings encompass a range of topics including theology, ethics, biblical interpretation, and church organization, which played critical roles in shaping the beliefs and practices of the Christian faith.

Studying patristics involves not only reading these texts but also understanding their historical context, theological significance, and the way they influenced later Christian thought. This body of work includes figures such as Augustine of Hippo, Athanasius, and Jerome, whose contributions laid the groundwork for many doctrines that are still relevant in contemporary Christianity.

In contrast, examining church architecture, studying traditional hymns, or learning about the history of church funding do not directly relate to patristics. These areas of study focus on different aspects of church life and history, rather than the theological and doctrinal issues primarily addressed by the early church fathers.