Synopses & Reviews
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.
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.
Synopsis
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.
About the Author
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.
Table of Contents
Preface.
Notes on Contributors.
List of Abbreviations.
Introduction G. R. Evans (University of Cambridge).
Part I: The Bible:.
1. The First Christian Writings John Rogerson (University of Sheffield).
2. The Interpretation of Scripture Frances Young (University of Birmingham).
Part II: The Church:.
3. The Early Idea of The Church Stuart George Hall (University of St. Andrew’s).
4. The Early Church in the World G. R. Evans (University of Cambridge).
5. The Imperial Ecclesiastical Lawgivers Clarence Gallagher (Campion Hall, Oxford).
Part III: Rival Traditions: Christian Theology and Judaism:.
6. Philo of Alexandria David Runia (Leiden University, University of Melbourne).
7. Christian Theology and Judaism Judith Lieu (King’s College London) and Paula Fredriksen (Boston University).
Part IV: Rival Traditions: Christian Theology and Secular Philosophy:.
8. Christian Theology and Secular Philosophy John Rist (University of Toronto).
9. Justin Martyr Eric Osborn (La Trobe University, Melbourne).
10. Irenaeus of Lyons Eric Osborn (La Trobe University, Melbourne).
11. Clement of Alexandria Eric Osborn (La Trobe University, Melbourne).
12. Origen Rowan Williams (Archbishop of Canterbury).
13. Tertullian Eric Osborn (La Trobe University, Melbourne).
14. The Hermetica G. R. Evans (University of Cambridge).
Part V: The Maturing of Early Christian Theology in East and West:.
15. Athanasius and the Arian Crisis Rowan Williams (Archbishop of Canterbury).
16. The Cappadocians Morwenna Ludlow (University of Cambridge).
17. Pseudo-Dionysius and Maximus the Confessor Janet Williams.
18. The Syriac Tradition David Taylor (University of Birmingham).
19. Ambrose Boniface Ramsey (Vincent Ferrer, New York).
20. Jerome G. R. Evans (University of Cambridge).
21. Augustine G. R. Evans (University of Cambridge).
22. Eutyches, Nestorius and Chalcedon G. R. Evans (University of Cambridge).
Conclusion: The End of an Era? G. R. Evans (University of Cambridge).
Consolidated List of Sources.
Index of References.
General Index.