The Early Christian Fathers: A Selection from the Writings of the Fathers from St. Clement of Rome to St. Athanasius

This book presents a wealth of information on the early Church. One distinguishing feature of it is that each Church father's writings are sorted according to doctrine. For instance, the writings of Clement include his statements on salvation as a free gift of God, independent of works (p. 30). This, of course, is said to have anticipated the sola fideo position of the Reformation. Interestingly, Clement states that Christians should accept military service (p. 31). So does Tertullian (p. 156). This contradicts those who suggest that the early Christians were pacifists. There is much discussion of the Sacraments. It appears that all of the Church fathers believed that the Holy Communion elements become the actual Body and Blood of Christ after consecration. Tertullian is no exception: His statement about the Eucharist being a "symbol" uses the latter term in a different sense than the way it is used today (p. 149). Moreover, allegorical approaches to the Eucharist do not ipso facto undermine the reality of the Real Presence. The Fathers also believed that baptism washes away sins. However, Tertullian rejected infant baptism (p. 145). Some of the Church fathers had rather unorthodox views. For instance, Origen believed in a form of universalism (p. 256). But universal salvation was not to be bestowed by God automatically: It followed long periods of punishment for its belated recipients.

If I had to suggest one book that would give the best summary of major Christian thought development from the start until 350 AD, I would suggest this book. It has samples of writings from the likes of Justin Martyr and Athanasius, grouped by author and then sub-grouped by topic. Its an excellent summary.