Publisher's Synopsis
The Shepherd of Hermas is a religious text attributed to Hermas, a Christian prophet who lived in Rome during the 2nd century. The book is divided into three main parts and contains a series of visions and dialogues between Hermas and various divine figures, including an angelic shepherd who serves as his guide. The first part of the book focuses on the theme of repentance and the forgiveness of sins. Hermas is shown a vision of a tower representing the church, which is under construction but has some defective stones that need to be removed and replaced. The angelic shepherd explains that these stones represent those who have sinned and need to repent in order to be forgiven and become part of the church.The second part of the book deals with the theme of spiritual growth and the importance of living a virtuous life. Hermas is shown a series of visions in which he is encouraged to cultivate various virtues, such as humility, patience, and chastity. The angelic shepherd also warns him about the dangers of worldly pleasures and the need to avoid sin and temptation.The third and final part of the book focuses on the theme of the final judgment and the fate of the righteous and the wicked. Hermas is shown a vision of a great white throne, on which sits God the Father, surrounded by angels and saints. The angelic shepherd explains the various punishments and rewards that await the righteous and the wicked, depending on their deeds in life.Overall, The Shepherd of Hermas is a fascinating and insightful work that offers valuable insights into early Christian beliefs and practices. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity and the development of Christian theology.THIS 312 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Apostolic Fathers V2, by Kirsopp Lake. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766172309.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
