Christ Body Eucharistic Theology: Early Church Fathers and the Early Church What the First Christians Really Believed About the Eucharist When modern critics question Catholic teaching on the Real Presence, where do you turn for answers? Not to recent theologians or contemporary interpretations, but to the men who learned directly from the Apostles themselves. This meticulously researched work presents the authentic voices of Christianity's first witnesses - from Clement of Rome (96 AD) who knew Peter personally, to Ignatius of Antioch (107 AD) who called the Eucharist "the medicine of immortality," to Polycarp (155 AD), the last disciple of John the Beloved. What you will find inside:Direct quotes from 15 Church Fathers spanning 325 years (70-397 AD) Ironclad proof that the earliest Christians believed in transubstantiation How Athanasius (296-373 AD) defeated Arianism by defending Eucharistic truth Why Justin Martyr (100-165 AD) risked execution explaining the Mass to pagans The Desert Fathers' profound insights into preparing for Holy Communion Written by Augustinian scholar Lombard R. Connor, this book demolishes the myth that Catholic Eucharistic doctrine was a "medieval invention." Every claim is documented with precise historical citations and original sources. Perfect for:Catholics seeking to deepen their understanding of the Mass Apologists defending the faith against Protestant objections Anyone curious about authentic early Christian worship Scholars and seminarians studying patristic theology Stop wondering what the first Christians really believed. Let them speak for themselves. Their unanimous testimony will strengthen your faith and silence every doubt about the Most Blessed Sacrament.