Die Kirche der Väter

Thomas Graumann examines the emergence of a theological form of thought which is called the patristic argumentation. This is a kind of reference to tradition which designates certain persons by name as figures of authority (fathers) and substantiates their way of thinking with explicit quotations. Both elements appear for the first time in the course of the theological controversy surrounding the Holy Trinity in the 4th century. The author analyzes the way in which theological insights were explained and substantiated in the period following this by referring to fathers and how this was significant for the self-awareness of the church.