First Christian Theologians An Introduction to Theology in the Early Church
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G. R. Evans is Professor of Medieval Theology and Intellectual History at the University of Cambridge. She is the author of numerous, critically-acclaimed books in the fields of patristic, medieval and Reformation history and theology, including Augustine on Evil (1982), Problems of Authority in the Reformation Debates (1992), The Church and the Churches (1994), Philosophy and Theology in the Middle Ages (1993), Law and Theology in the Middle Ages (2002), and Anselm (1989). G. R. Evans is also the author of A Brief History of Heresy (2003), and the editor of The Medieval Theologians (2000), also in the Great Theologians series, both published by Blackwell."Beyond doubt this is one of the best introductions available to the English reader who is interested in the Theology of the early Church." <i>Mihail Neamtu, King's College, London</i>
The First Christian Theologians offers a comprehensive introduction to the theology of the early Church through an accessible and lively examination of the major individual theologians of the time.
- Provides a comprehensive, single-volume introduction to the theology of the early Church.
- Features an accessible and lively examination of the major individual theologians from the first five centuries.
- Explores how Christian theology came into being – including detailed coverage of the Scriptural canon, preaching, heresies, and the role of ecumenical councils.
- Includes an international list of leading contributors.
- Edited by a leading academic in the field, with a reputation for producing first-rate, accessible books.
Preface vii
Notes on Contributors xi
List of Abbreviations xv
Introduction G. R. Evans 1
Part I The Bible
1 The First Christian Writings John W. Rogerson 15
2 The Interpretation of Scripture Frances Young 24
Part II the Church
3 The Early Idea of the Church Stuart G. Hall 41
4 The Early Church in the World G. R. Evans 58
5 The Imperial Ecclesiastical Lawgivers Clarence Gallagher, SJ 65
Part III Rival Traditions: Christian Theology and Judaism
6 Philo of Alexandria David T. Runia 77
7 Christian Theology and Judaism Paula Fredriksen and Judith Lieu 85
Part IV Rival Traditions: Christian Theology and Secular Philosophy
8 Christian Theology and Secular Philosophy John M. Rist 105
9 Justin Martyr Eric Osborn 115
10 Irenaeus of Lyons Eric Osborn 121
11 Clement of Alexandria Eric Osborn 127
12 Origen Rowan Williams 132
13 Tertullian Eric Osborn 143
14 The Hermetica G. R. Evans 150
Part V The Maturing of Early Christian Theology in East and West
15 Athanasius and the Arian Crisis Rowan Williams 157
16 The Cappadocians Morwenna Ludlow 168
17 Pseudo-Dionysius and Maximus the Confessor Janet P. Williams 186
18 The Syriac Tradition David G. K. Taylor 201
19 Ambrose Boniface Ramsey 225
20 Jerome G. R. Evans 234
21 Augustine of Hippo G. R. Evans 238
22 Eutyches, Nestorius, and Chalcedon G. R. Evans 243
Conclusion: The End of an Era? G. R. Evans 248
Consolidated List of Sources 251
Index of References 260
General Index 267
This is a book about the earliest individual Christian theologians and those who entered into dialogue with them. It is also about the complexity of the process by which a ‘Christian theology’ came into existence. It begins with the earliest Christian writings, moves through the development of the early Church, examines the rival traditions to Christianity, and explores the work of the key Christian theologians in both the West and the East, ending at the important Council of Chalcedon.
Drawing on contributions from an international team of leading academics, and edited by G. R. Evans, this volume is indispensable reading for undergraduate students who need a readable and accessible introduction to the theology and history of the early Christian church.