Exploring the concept of the kingdom of God, this thesis is based on Patristic sources from the time of Clement of Rome to that of John of Damascus. Herrick begins with the Apostolic Fathers to set the stage for the major divisions that follow. Divided into the Ante-Nicene Fathers and the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, the sources are divided into the Greek and Latin traditions and the major theologians and historic sources are examined for what they indicate about the theme. Noting that prior to Augustine’s City of God no known thesis on this important theme exists, Herrick notes that such a resource as this book is necessary to understand what early Christians believed on the topic. While there is no specific treatise, the subject is widely addressed in scattered literature, and it is this material that Herrick has skillfully culled here to provide a single resource on an essential Christian doctrine. Written in non-technical language, this volume is readable by laity and specialists alike.

Henry Martyn Herrick (1861-1923) attended Yale Divinity School and earned his Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. This volume is his published thesis.