Patristic literature refers to the body of writings produced by the early Christian theologians known as the Church Fathers. These texts, which emerged from the 1st to the 8th centuries, include sermons, letters, and theological treatises that shaped early Christian doctrine and practice. The works of notable figures such as St. Augustine and St. Jerome are central to patristic literature, addressing issues like the nature of God, the role of Christ, and the interpretation of Scripture. This literature played a crucial role in the development of Christian thought and the establishment of foundational beliefs within the Christian Church.