Gerald O'Collins and Michael Keenan Jones
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199576456
- eISBN:
- 9780191723032
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199576456.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter examines the scattered references to Christ's priesthood made by the fathers of the Church from Clement of Rome down to Gregory the Great, with particular attention paid to major ...
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This chapter examines the scattered references to Christ's priesthood made by the fathers of the Church from Clement of Rome down to Gregory the Great, with particular attention paid to major contributions coming from Origen, John Chrysostom, and Augustine of Hippo. Both then and later, reflection on Christ's priesthood was prompted both by issues concerning the exercise of the ordained ministry in the Church and by serious attention to Hebrews. Clement of Alexandria applied the story of Melchizedek further by understanding the offering of bread and wine to prefigure the Eucharist. Augustine developed the narrative of Christ's priesthood in the light of his being the head of the body that is the Church. At the Eucharist Christ is truly, if invisibly, present and makes the offering ‘on our behalf’. Augustine also reflected significantly on the nature of ‘true sacrifices’ as ‘works of mercy done to ourselves or our neighbour and directed to God’.Less
This chapter examines the scattered references to Christ's priesthood made by the fathers of the Church from Clement of Rome down to Gregory the Great, with particular attention paid to major contributions coming from Origen, John Chrysostom, and Augustine of Hippo. Both then and later, reflection on Christ's priesthood was prompted both by issues concerning the exercise of the ordained ministry in the Church and by serious attention to Hebrews. Clement of Alexandria applied the story of Melchizedek further by understanding the offering of bread and wine to prefigure the Eucharist. Augustine developed the narrative of Christ's priesthood in the light of his being the head of the body that is the Church. At the Eucharist Christ is truly, if invisibly, present and makes the offering ‘on our behalf’. Augustine also reflected significantly on the nature of ‘true sacrifices’ as ‘works of mercy done to ourselves or our neighbour and directed to God’.
Demetrios S. Katos
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199696963
- eISBN:
- 9780191731969
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199696963.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies, Church History
This book examines the life, work, and thought of Palladius of Helenopolis (ca. 362–420), an important witness of late antique Christianity and author of the Dialogue on the Life of St. John ...
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This book examines the life, work, and thought of Palladius of Helenopolis (ca. 362–420), an important witness of late antique Christianity and author of the Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom and the Lausiac History. These compositions provide rich information concerning the downfall of John Chrysostom, the Origenist controversy, and many notable personalities such as John Chrysostom, Theophilus of Alexandria, Jerome, Evagrius of Pontus, and Melania the Elder. The book examines Palladius' role as an advocate on behalf of John Chrysostom, and it employs late antique theories of judicial rhetoric and argumentation (issue or stasis theory), the significance of which is only now becoming apparent to late antique scholars, and elicits new insights from the Dialogue regarding the controversy that resulted in the death of John Chrysostom. The book also demonstrates that the Lausiac History promoted to the imperial court of Pulcheria the ascetic practices of his ascetic colleagues, whom Jerome had recently decried as Origenists. The book delineates Palladius' understanding of asceticism, Scripture, contemplation, prayer, human freedom, and theodicy to demonstrate a dependence upon the spirituality of his mentor Evagrius of Pontus, and upon the broader theological legacy of Origen. What emerges from these pages is the self‐portrait, rather than a polemicist's caricature, of an Origenist at the turn of the fifth‐century, who has profoundly influenced Christian history, hagiography, and piety for nearly 1,600 years.Less
This book examines the life, work, and thought of Palladius of Helenopolis (ca. 362–420), an important witness of late antique Christianity and author of the Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom and the Lausiac History. These compositions provide rich information concerning the downfall of John Chrysostom, the Origenist controversy, and many notable personalities such as John Chrysostom, Theophilus of Alexandria, Jerome, Evagrius of Pontus, and Melania the Elder. The book examines Palladius' role as an advocate on behalf of John Chrysostom, and it employs late antique theories of judicial rhetoric and argumentation (issue or stasis theory), the significance of which is only now becoming apparent to late antique scholars, and elicits new insights from the Dialogue regarding the controversy that resulted in the death of John Chrysostom. The book also demonstrates that the Lausiac History promoted to the imperial court of Pulcheria the ascetic practices of his ascetic colleagues, whom Jerome had recently decried as Origenists. The book delineates Palladius' understanding of asceticism, Scripture, contemplation, prayer, human freedom, and theodicy to demonstrate a dependence upon the spirituality of his mentor Evagrius of Pontus, and upon the broader theological legacy of Origen. What emerges from these pages is the self‐portrait, rather than a polemicist's caricature, of an Origenist at the turn of the fifth‐century, who has profoundly influenced Christian history, hagiography, and piety for nearly 1,600 years.
Demetrios S. Katos
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199696963
- eISBN:
- 9780191731969
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199696963.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies, Church History
This chapter surveys Palladius' life from the beginning of his ascetic career to his composition of the Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom. It narrates his career among a social network of ...
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This chapter surveys Palladius' life from the beginning of his ascetic career to his composition of the Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom. It narrates his career among a social network of Origenists, such as Melania the Elder, Rufinus of Aquilea, Isidore the Presbyter, the Tall Brothers, and especially Evagrius of Pontus. It follows his peregrinations through Palestine, Alexandria, Nitria, and Cells, observes his work as a bishop in Asia Minor and as a defender of John Chrysostom that was banished to a frontier garrison. The chapter concludes with an examination of the date, provenance, and audience of the Dialogue. Palladius' emerges from this chapter not merely as a peripatetic monk, his own preferred self‐portrait, but as an ecclesiastical statesman who passionately supported the causes of his network in the most pressing controversies of his day.Less
This chapter surveys Palladius' life from the beginning of his ascetic career to his composition of the Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom. It narrates his career among a social network of Origenists, such as Melania the Elder, Rufinus of Aquilea, Isidore the Presbyter, the Tall Brothers, and especially Evagrius of Pontus. It follows his peregrinations through Palestine, Alexandria, Nitria, and Cells, observes his work as a bishop in Asia Minor and as a defender of John Chrysostom that was banished to a frontier garrison. The chapter concludes with an examination of the date, provenance, and audience of the Dialogue. Palladius' emerges from this chapter not merely as a peripatetic monk, his own preferred self‐portrait, but as an ecclesiastical statesman who passionately supported the causes of his network in the most pressing controversies of his day.
BALBINA BÄBLER
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197264041
- eISBN:
- 9780191734311
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264041.003.0011
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Archaeology: Classical
This chapter discusses Dio Chrysostom, a wealthy Greek who was banished from Prusa and who was exiled to Olbia. It focuses on his construction and illustration of Olbia through his thirty-sixth ...
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This chapter discusses Dio Chrysostom, a wealthy Greek who was banished from Prusa and who was exiled to Olbia. It focuses on his construction and illustration of Olbia through his thirty-sixth speech entitled Borystheniticus Or. 36. This speech is assumed to be written during his exile in Olbia and was delivered on his return to Prusa. His Borystheniticus themes are ‘harmony, good order, and regular and predictable change on earth as in heaven’. His speech consists of a large introduction that narrates the location of Olbia. Out of the 61 pages of his Borystheniticus, 13 are devoted to the exterior setting of the city, the city itself, its inhabitants and its surrounding, giving the impression that the introduction was not intended as a mere introductory part. His account of Olbia in his speech was not just an indulging innocent reminiscence, rather it was a description aimed for a larger audience. Behind his illustration of the Obliopolitans as early Greeks lies a traditional and elaborate theory that suggest that the technical and cultural evolution, development and progress of civilization came at the same time as moral degeneration. He painted a gloomy picture of Olbia as a rhetorical strategy that allowed him to illustrate a society on the brink of extinction as a result of the severe threat to its historical and religious identity and yet still holding out because of the sense of unity of the community. This concept was aimed to remind the inhabitants of Prusa of proper and responsible behaviour.Less
This chapter discusses Dio Chrysostom, a wealthy Greek who was banished from Prusa and who was exiled to Olbia. It focuses on his construction and illustration of Olbia through his thirty-sixth speech entitled Borystheniticus Or. 36. This speech is assumed to be written during his exile in Olbia and was delivered on his return to Prusa. His Borystheniticus themes are ‘harmony, good order, and regular and predictable change on earth as in heaven’. His speech consists of a large introduction that narrates the location of Olbia. Out of the 61 pages of his Borystheniticus, 13 are devoted to the exterior setting of the city, the city itself, its inhabitants and its surrounding, giving the impression that the introduction was not intended as a mere introductory part. His account of Olbia in his speech was not just an indulging innocent reminiscence, rather it was a description aimed for a larger audience. Behind his illustration of the Obliopolitans as early Greeks lies a traditional and elaborate theory that suggest that the technical and cultural evolution, development and progress of civilization came at the same time as moral degeneration. He painted a gloomy picture of Olbia as a rhetorical strategy that allowed him to illustrate a society on the brink of extinction as a result of the severe threat to its historical and religious identity and yet still holding out because of the sense of unity of the community. This concept was aimed to remind the inhabitants of Prusa of proper and responsible behaviour.
Christopher P. Jones
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199262120
- eISBN:
- 9780191718533
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199262120.003.0011
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter explores the ways in which Josephus’ rhetorical style of historical writing was influenced by other Greek writers in the Flavian period. It is somewhat difficult to locate such writers ...
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This chapter explores the ways in which Josephus’ rhetorical style of historical writing was influenced by other Greek writers in the Flavian period. It is somewhat difficult to locate such writers at Rome precisely during Josephus’ residence in the city. The chapter underlines the prologue to the Judaean War, where Josephus responds to previous histories of the war, some likely to have been in Greek, which he thought of poor quality. It argues that Josephus was particularly influenced by Dio Chrysostom, the orator from Prusa in Bithynia, and Plutarch, the philosopher and priest from Chaeronea in Boeotia. Dio’s Alexandrian oration, for example, may have been used by Josephus as a model for his narrative of the tension between Judeans and Greeks in that city in his Judaean Antiquities. As for Plutarch, the chapter maintains that Josephus was particularly influenced by his imperial biographies. However, Domitian’s eventual persecution of Judaean sympathizers likely forced Josephus into literary isolation.Less
This chapter explores the ways in which Josephus’ rhetorical style of historical writing was influenced by other Greek writers in the Flavian period. It is somewhat difficult to locate such writers at Rome precisely during Josephus’ residence in the city. The chapter underlines the prologue to the Judaean War, where Josephus responds to previous histories of the war, some likely to have been in Greek, which he thought of poor quality. It argues that Josephus was particularly influenced by Dio Chrysostom, the orator from Prusa in Bithynia, and Plutarch, the philosopher and priest from Chaeronea in Boeotia. Dio’s Alexandrian oration, for example, may have been used by Josephus as a model for his narrative of the tension between Judeans and Greeks in that city in his Judaean Antiquities. As for Plutarch, the chapter maintains that Josephus was particularly influenced by his imperial biographies. However, Domitian’s eventual persecution of Judaean sympathizers likely forced Josephus into literary isolation.
Susan R. Holman
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195383621
- eISBN:
- 9780199870479
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195383621.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society, Church History
This chapter explores early Christian texts on poverty responses between the fourth and sixth centuries. It applies the book's three paradigms and a vision for practical social action to the ...
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This chapter explores early Christian texts on poverty responses between the fourth and sixth centuries. It applies the book's three paradigms and a vision for practical social action to the patristic writings and examples of the “Cappadocians”—Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, their sister Macrina, and their friend Gregory of Nazianzus—as well as Jacob of Sarug and John Chrysostom. Topics include poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, sermons on “the love of the poor,” and patristic ideals of social justice. This chapter draws on previous academic work on these texts to here apply scholarship to pastoral applications and challenges to contemporary social action in the modern world.Less
This chapter explores early Christian texts on poverty responses between the fourth and sixth centuries. It applies the book's three paradigms and a vision for practical social action to the patristic writings and examples of the “Cappadocians”—Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, their sister Macrina, and their friend Gregory of Nazianzus—as well as Jacob of Sarug and John Chrysostom. Topics include poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, sermons on “the love of the poor,” and patristic ideals of social justice. This chapter draws on previous academic work on these texts to here apply scholarship to pastoral applications and challenges to contemporary social action in the modern world.
Donald Fairbairn
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199256143
- eISBN:
- 9780191600586
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199256144.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
In the light of the book's treatment of grace and christology, this chapter argues that the central issue in patristic christology was not whether Christ was one person or two or whether one spoke of ...
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In the light of the book's treatment of grace and christology, this chapter argues that the central issue in patristic christology was not whether Christ was one person or two or whether one spoke of one nature or two, but whether God the Son was personally present on earth through the incarnation. The chapter asserts that the key phrase expressing this issue was the ‘double birth’ of the Logos. Those who insisted that God the Son must be and was personally present insisted that the Logos was born twice (of the Father eternally and of Mary in time). This chapter looks briefly at John Chrysostom, John of Antioch, Celestine, Leo, and the Chalcedonian Definition and concludes that belief in the double birth of the Logos was the faith of the entire Church in the fifth century, with only a small handful of dissenters.Less
In the light of the book's treatment of grace and christology, this chapter argues that the central issue in patristic christology was not whether Christ was one person or two or whether one spoke of one nature or two, but whether God the Son was personally present on earth through the incarnation. The chapter asserts that the key phrase expressing this issue was the ‘double birth’ of the Logos. Those who insisted that God the Son must be and was personally present insisted that the Logos was born twice (of the Father eternally and of Mary in time). This chapter looks briefly at John Chrysostom, John of Antioch, Celestine, Leo, and the Chalcedonian Definition and concludes that belief in the double birth of the Logos was the faith of the entire Church in the fifth century, with only a small handful of dissenters.
Leonard B. Glick
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195176742
- eISBN:
- 9780199835621
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019517674X.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Judaism
The earliest converts to Christianity were expected to accept circumcision; but in his sharply worded letter to the Galatians, Paul disdained the practice as spiritually worthless. Justin Martyr and ...
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The earliest converts to Christianity were expected to accept circumcision; but in his sharply worded letter to the Galatians, Paul disdained the practice as spiritually worthless. Justin Martyr and John Chrysostom extended the Christian critique, further laying the foundation for nearly two millennia of Christian rejection. Roman authorities legislated against circumcision of non-Jews, particularly slaves. In contrast, early rabbinic texts passionately defended the practice, arguing that it is a purifying experience pleasing to the Lord.Less
The earliest converts to Christianity were expected to accept circumcision; but in his sharply worded letter to the Galatians, Paul disdained the practice as spiritually worthless. Justin Martyr and John Chrysostom extended the Christian critique, further laying the foundation for nearly two millennia of Christian rejection. Roman authorities legislated against circumcision of non-Jews, particularly slaves. In contrast, early rabbinic texts passionately defended the practice, arguing that it is a purifying experience pleasing to the Lord.
Lewis Ayres
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780198755067
- eISBN:
- 9780191602788
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198755066.003.0014
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
Builds on the previous two, looking first at common pro-Nicene anthropological themes. Pro-Nicenes share ‘dual-focus’ anthropologies, in which a rightly ordered soul is attentive both to the ...
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Builds on the previous two, looking first at common pro-Nicene anthropological themes. Pro-Nicenes share ‘dual-focus’ anthropologies, in which a rightly ordered soul is attentive both to the governing of the body and to the presence of God to the soul. These beliefs form the background to the accounts of purification that are, in turn, taken to be the context for the good practice of Trinitarian theology. The second half of the chapter considers shared pro-Nicene accounts of Scripture. Pro-Nicenes share a new sense of the efficacy and yet the mysteriousness of the scriptural text that shapes and is shaped by the pro-Nicene aesthetic is outlined in the previous chapter.Less
Builds on the previous two, looking first at common pro-Nicene anthropological themes. Pro-Nicenes share ‘dual-focus’ anthropologies, in which a rightly ordered soul is attentive both to the governing of the body and to the presence of God to the soul. These beliefs form the background to the accounts of purification that are, in turn, taken to be the context for the good practice of Trinitarian theology. The second half of the chapter considers shared pro-Nicene accounts of Scripture. Pro-Nicenes share a new sense of the efficacy and yet the mysteriousness of the scriptural text that shapes and is shaped by the pro-Nicene aesthetic is outlined in the previous chapter.
Henry Chadwick
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199246953
- eISBN:
- 9780191600463
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199246955.003.0050
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
Discusses the career and reputation of John Chrysostom (c.347–407) and the religious consequences of the political events of his time. John first came to prominence at Antioch through his strict ...
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Discusses the career and reputation of John Chrysostom (c.347–407) and the religious consequences of the political events of his time. John first came to prominence at Antioch through his strict moral teaching, and he became bishop of Constantinople, despite considerable opposition, in 397. Under the emperor Arcadius and his consort Eudoxia, John became involved in court politics and dealings with the barbarian soldiers in Roman service. His sympathy for ascetic admirers of Origen expelled from Egypt to Constantinople provided John's enemies with the opportunity to move against him. On his expulsion over the immediate issue of the erection of a statue of Eudoxia, the church at Constantinople was divided between his supporters and opponents.Less
Discusses the career and reputation of John Chrysostom (c.347–407) and the religious consequences of the political events of his time. John first came to prominence at Antioch through his strict moral teaching, and he became bishop of Constantinople, despite considerable opposition, in 397. Under the emperor Arcadius and his consort Eudoxia, John became involved in court politics and dealings with the barbarian soldiers in Roman service. His sympathy for ascetic admirers of Origen expelled from Egypt to Constantinople provided John's enemies with the opportunity to move against him. On his expulsion over the immediate issue of the erection of a statue of Eudoxia, the church at Constantinople was divided between his supporters and opponents.
Henry Chadwick
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199246953
- eISBN:
- 9780191600463
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199246955.003.0051
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History
Controversy about the excommunication of John Chrysostom affected relations between east and west, as pope Innocent I (401–17) defended John's reputation and gradually gained some support in the ...
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Controversy about the excommunication of John Chrysostom affected relations between east and west, as pope Innocent I (401–17) defended John's reputation and gradually gained some support in the east. John's deposition did not, as his opponents had wished, diminish the status of Constantinople or ‘New Rome’ in the eastern churches. Innocent's correspondence with the east covered other matters, including the Roman liturgy and Pelagianism. Innocent's time in office was also troubled by barbarian invasions of Gaul and Italy. Alaric's sack of Rome in 410 provoked agonizing questions for Christians about divine providence and provided the occasion for Augustine to begin work on his City of God.Less
Controversy about the excommunication of John Chrysostom affected relations between east and west, as pope Innocent I (401–17) defended John's reputation and gradually gained some support in the east. John's deposition did not, as his opponents had wished, diminish the status of Constantinople or ‘New Rome’ in the eastern churches. Innocent's correspondence with the east covered other matters, including the Roman liturgy and Pelagianism. Innocent's time in office was also troubled by barbarian invasions of Gaul and Italy. Alaric's sack of Rome in 410 provoked agonizing questions for Christians about divine providence and provided the occasion for Augustine to begin work on his City of God.
Jeffrey A. Trumbower
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780195140996
- eISBN:
- 9780199834747
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195140990.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
The fifth chapter categorizes various early Christian opinions on who exactly was saved during Christ's descent to the underworld or Hades, an event known in later theology as the “harrowing of ...
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The fifth chapter categorizes various early Christian opinions on who exactly was saved during Christ's descent to the underworld or Hades, an event known in later theology as the “harrowing of hell.” Most early theologians posit that only the righteous of the Old Testament were saved, but some texts, like the Odes of Solomon, infer that a general offer of salvation to all the dead was made at that time. Clement of Alexandria interpreted 1 Peter from the New Testament in the same direction. John Chrysostom and Philaster of Brescia were adamant that no one “converted” in hell; only those who had been righteous in this life were eligible to receive Christ in the underworld. Two different versions of the Gospel of Nicodemus give two different answers to this question.Less
The fifth chapter categorizes various early Christian opinions on who exactly was saved during Christ's descent to the underworld or Hades, an event known in later theology as the “harrowing of hell.” Most early theologians posit that only the righteous of the Old Testament were saved, but some texts, like the Odes of Solomon, infer that a general offer of salvation to all the dead was made at that time. Clement of Alexandria interpreted 1 Peter from the New Testament in the same direction. John Chrysostom and Philaster of Brescia were adamant that no one “converted” in hell; only those who had been righteous in this life were eligible to receive Christ in the underworld. Two different versions of the Gospel of Nicodemus give two different answers to this question.
Raffaella Cribiore
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452079
- eISBN:
- 9780801469084
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452079.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
Libanius of Antioch was a rhetorician of rare skill and eloquence. So renowned was he in the fourth century that his school of rhetoric in Roman Syria became among the most prestigious in the Eastern ...
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Libanius of Antioch was a rhetorician of rare skill and eloquence. So renowned was he in the fourth century that his school of rhetoric in Roman Syria became among the most prestigious in the Eastern Empire. This book draws on the entire body of Libanius's vast literary output—including 64 orations, 1,544 letters, and exercises for his students—to offer the fullest intellectual portrait yet of this figure whom John Chrystostom called “the sophist of the city.” Libanius (314–ca. 393) lived at a time when Christianity was celebrating its triumph but paganism tried to resist. Although himself a pagan, Libanius cultivated friendships within Antioch's Christian community and taught leaders of the Church including Chrysostom and Basil of Caesarea. The book calls him a “gray pagan” who did not share the fanaticism of the Emperor Julian. The book considers the role that a major intellectual of Libanius's caliber played in this religiously diverse society and culture. When he wrote a letter or delivered an oration, who was he addressing and what did he hope to accomplish? One thing that stands out in Libanius's speeches is the startling amount of invective against his enemies. How common was character assassination of this sort? What was the subtext to these speeches and how would they have been received? The book restores Libanius to his rightful place in the rich and culturally complex world of Late Antiquity.Less
Libanius of Antioch was a rhetorician of rare skill and eloquence. So renowned was he in the fourth century that his school of rhetoric in Roman Syria became among the most prestigious in the Eastern Empire. This book draws on the entire body of Libanius's vast literary output—including 64 orations, 1,544 letters, and exercises for his students—to offer the fullest intellectual portrait yet of this figure whom John Chrystostom called “the sophist of the city.” Libanius (314–ca. 393) lived at a time when Christianity was celebrating its triumph but paganism tried to resist. Although himself a pagan, Libanius cultivated friendships within Antioch's Christian community and taught leaders of the Church including Chrysostom and Basil of Caesarea. The book calls him a “gray pagan” who did not share the fanaticism of the Emperor Julian. The book considers the role that a major intellectual of Libanius's caliber played in this religiously diverse society and culture. When he wrote a letter or delivered an oration, who was he addressing and what did he hope to accomplish? One thing that stands out in Libanius's speeches is the startling amount of invective against his enemies. How common was character assassination of this sort? What was the subtext to these speeches and how would they have been received? The book restores Libanius to his rightful place in the rich and culturally complex world of Late Antiquity.
Demetrios S. Katos
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199696963
- eISBN:
- 9780191731969
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199696963.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies, Church History
This chapter argues that the Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom should be understood as a legal argument in defense of John composed in accordance with the principles of late antique ...
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This chapter argues that the Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom should be understood as a legal argument in defense of John composed in accordance with the principles of late antique judicial rhetoric found in the Art of Political Speech (Anonymous Seguerianus) and Art of Rhetoric, attributed to Apsines of Gadara. This chapter analyzes the Dialogue in terms of its four constitutive parts, namely, the introduction [proemion], narration [diegesis], argumentation [kataskeue or pistis], and conclusion [epilogos] and explains the purpose and historical value of each. This chapter reveals that Palladius used the dialogue form to mimic courtroom debate and that he subordinated all narrative elements to the argumentation. It is the argumentation that is at the very heart of the Dialogue, even though its significance has been ignored or even dismissed by most scholarship which has long viewed the dialogue as a historical or biographical narrative.Less
This chapter argues that the Dialogue on the Life of St. John Chrysostom should be understood as a legal argument in defense of John composed in accordance with the principles of late antique judicial rhetoric found in the Art of Political Speech (Anonymous Seguerianus) and Art of Rhetoric, attributed to Apsines of Gadara. This chapter analyzes the Dialogue in terms of its four constitutive parts, namely, the introduction [proemion], narration [diegesis], argumentation [kataskeue or pistis], and conclusion [epilogos] and explains the purpose and historical value of each. This chapter reveals that Palladius used the dialogue form to mimic courtroom debate and that he subordinated all narrative elements to the argumentation. It is the argumentation that is at the very heart of the Dialogue, even though its significance has been ignored or even dismissed by most scholarship which has long viewed the dialogue as a historical or biographical narrative.
Michael Peppard
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199753703
- eISBN:
- 9780199914432
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199753703.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion in the Ancient World
This short chapter uses a fourth‐century homily of John Chrysostom about baptism as a way to recapitulate the main themes of the book.
This short chapter uses a fourth‐century homily of John Chrysostom about baptism as a way to recapitulate the main themes of the book.
Henry Chadwick
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199264575
- eISBN:
- 9780191698958
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199264575.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Church History, Early Christian Studies
Written a few years before Theodisius II's death, a notable church history in continuation of Eusibius was compiled by Socrates of Constantinople. This chapter focuses on his work, where his motive ...
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Written a few years before Theodisius II's death, a notable church history in continuation of Eusibius was compiled by Socrates of Constantinople. This chapter focuses on his work, where his motive was to foster the peace and unity in the controversies of the previous century and a half. Socrates recorded differences of liturgical and other custom between different places in the Church, controversies and conflicts in church history, conflict about the unity of the person of the divine and human Redeemer. The seven books of Socrates History are articulated round the reigns of successive emperors, which enables him to devote the whole of book 3 to debate with Libanius' idealization of a pagan hero, Julian and book 6 to John Chrysostom for whom his admiration was qualified.Less
Written a few years before Theodisius II's death, a notable church history in continuation of Eusibius was compiled by Socrates of Constantinople. This chapter focuses on his work, where his motive was to foster the peace and unity in the controversies of the previous century and a half. Socrates recorded differences of liturgical and other custom between different places in the Church, controversies and conflicts in church history, conflict about the unity of the person of the divine and human Redeemer. The seven books of Socrates History are articulated round the reigns of successive emperors, which enables him to devote the whole of book 3 to debate with Libanius' idealization of a pagan hero, Julian and book 6 to John Chrysostom for whom his admiration was qualified.
Chris L. de Wet
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780520286214
- eISBN:
- 9780520961555
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520286214.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This book introduces and investigates the novel concept of doulology, the discourse of slavery, in the homilies of John Chrysostom, the late fourth-century priest and bishop. The text examines the ...
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This book introduces and investigates the novel concept of doulology, the discourse of slavery, in the homilies of John Chrysostom, the late fourth-century priest and bishop. The text examines the dynamics of enslavement in Chrysostom's theology, virtue ethics, and biblical interpretation and shows that human bondage as a metaphorical and theological construct had a profound effect on the lives of institutional slaves. The highly corporeal and gendered discourse associated with slavery was necessarily central in Chrysostom's discussions of the household, property, education, discipline, and sexuality. The book explores the impact of doulology in these contexts and disseminates the results in a new and highly anticipated language, bringing to light the more pervasive fissures between ancient Roman slaveholding and early Christianity. The corpus of Chrysostom's public addresses provides much of the literary evidence for slavery in the fourth century, and this book's analysis is a contribution to studies of the social world in late antiquity.Less
This book introduces and investigates the novel concept of doulology, the discourse of slavery, in the homilies of John Chrysostom, the late fourth-century priest and bishop. The text examines the dynamics of enslavement in Chrysostom's theology, virtue ethics, and biblical interpretation and shows that human bondage as a metaphorical and theological construct had a profound effect on the lives of institutional slaves. The highly corporeal and gendered discourse associated with slavery was necessarily central in Chrysostom's discussions of the household, property, education, discipline, and sexuality. The book explores the impact of doulology in these contexts and disseminates the results in a new and highly anticipated language, bringing to light the more pervasive fissures between ancient Roman slaveholding and early Christianity. The corpus of Chrysostom's public addresses provides much of the literary evidence for slavery in the fourth century, and this book's analysis is a contribution to studies of the social world in late antiquity.
Susan Wessel
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199268467
- eISBN:
- 9780191699276
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199268467.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter discusses Cyril's early episcopacy, including his polemical confrontation with Jews, pagans, and Arians. By these polemics, Cyril forged his distinctly Alexandrian vision of ...
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This chapter discusses Cyril's early episcopacy, including his polemical confrontation with Jews, pagans, and Arians. By these polemics, Cyril forged his distinctly Alexandrian vision of Christianity, which favoured simple, repeatable formulations of the creed. During this time, too, Cyril borrowed Athanasius' anti-Arian discourse which Cyril made relevant once again in his later controversy with Nestorius. The first section of this chapter discusses Cyril's election and the Novatians. The second section looks at Theophilus' actions against the Tall Brothers and John Chrysostom. The third section considers Cyril's conflict with the Alexandrian Jews. The fourth section examines the murder of the renowned pagan and neo-Platonist philosopher Hypatia. The fifth section considers the lingering problem of Arianism.Less
This chapter discusses Cyril's early episcopacy, including his polemical confrontation with Jews, pagans, and Arians. By these polemics, Cyril forged his distinctly Alexandrian vision of Christianity, which favoured simple, repeatable formulations of the creed. During this time, too, Cyril borrowed Athanasius' anti-Arian discourse which Cyril made relevant once again in his later controversy with Nestorius. The first section of this chapter discusses Cyril's election and the Novatians. The second section looks at Theophilus' actions against the Tall Brothers and John Chrysostom. The third section considers Cyril's conflict with the Alexandrian Jews. The fourth section examines the murder of the renowned pagan and neo-Platonist philosopher Hypatia. The fifth section considers the lingering problem of Arianism.
Chris L. de Wet
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780520286214
- eISBN:
- 9780520961555
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520286214.003.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This book explores the dynamics of the discourse of slavery, referred to as doulology, in the homilies of fourth-century priest and bishop John Chrysostom. Drawing on the analytical concepts of ...
More
This book explores the dynamics of the discourse of slavery, referred to as doulology, in the homilies of fourth-century priest and bishop John Chrysostom. Drawing on the analytical concepts of Michel Foucault as well as the critical theories of Michel de Certeau and Pierre Bourdieu, the book discusses three presuppositions that are central to the study of slavery: first, slavery was a functional institution in the Roman Empire up to the mid-fifth century; second, the Roman institution of slavery suffered a complete systemic collapse due to the lack of both supply and demand during the years of the disintegration of the later Roman Empire; and third, late ancient Christianity accepted slavery as a necessary social institution. This introductory chapter considers the importance of slavery as a discourse in early Christianity, the basic features of slavery in late antiquity, and the pervasive yet sustaining carcerality of the slave economy. It also explains how the heteronomy of the body shaped early Christian doulology, and in particular, Chrysostomic doulology.Less
This book explores the dynamics of the discourse of slavery, referred to as doulology, in the homilies of fourth-century priest and bishop John Chrysostom. Drawing on the analytical concepts of Michel Foucault as well as the critical theories of Michel de Certeau and Pierre Bourdieu, the book discusses three presuppositions that are central to the study of slavery: first, slavery was a functional institution in the Roman Empire up to the mid-fifth century; second, the Roman institution of slavery suffered a complete systemic collapse due to the lack of both supply and demand during the years of the disintegration of the later Roman Empire; and third, late ancient Christianity accepted slavery as a necessary social institution. This introductory chapter considers the importance of slavery as a discourse in early Christianity, the basic features of slavery in late antiquity, and the pervasive yet sustaining carcerality of the slave economy. It also explains how the heteronomy of the body shaped early Christian doulology, and in particular, Chrysostomic doulology.
Chris L. de Wet
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780520286214
- eISBN:
- 9780520961555
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520286214.003.0002
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Greek, Roman, and Early Christian Philosophy
This chapter examines the metaphor of slavery in John Chrysostom's theology and how it became theologized and was implemented in the making of Christian subjectivity as an expression of Christian ...
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This chapter examines the metaphor of slavery in John Chrysostom's theology and how it became theologized and was implemented in the making of Christian subjectivity as an expression of Christian corporeal heteronomy. It first considers the theology of the apostle Paul with regards to slavery and how he influenced Chrysostom's metaphor and theology of slavery. It then discusses the role of sin in the dynamics of doulology, with particular emphasis on free moral agency and how slavery, through the catalyst of hamartiology (the discourse of sin), functioned in other modes of Chrysostom's theology, including his anthropology, protology, Christology, and eschatology. It also explores slavery to the passions by focusing on Chrysostom's reading of 1 Corinthians 7:21–23. The chapter concludes by commenting on Chrysostom's argument that it is better to be an institutional slave than a slave of sin and the passions, and that divine bondage is what defines Christian freedom.Less
This chapter examines the metaphor of slavery in John Chrysostom's theology and how it became theologized and was implemented in the making of Christian subjectivity as an expression of Christian corporeal heteronomy. It first considers the theology of the apostle Paul with regards to slavery and how he influenced Chrysostom's metaphor and theology of slavery. It then discusses the role of sin in the dynamics of doulology, with particular emphasis on free moral agency and how slavery, through the catalyst of hamartiology (the discourse of sin), functioned in other modes of Chrysostom's theology, including his anthropology, protology, Christology, and eschatology. It also explores slavery to the passions by focusing on Chrysostom's reading of 1 Corinthians 7:21–23. The chapter concludes by commenting on Chrysostom's argument that it is better to be an institutional slave than a slave of sin and the passions, and that divine bondage is what defines Christian freedom.
