The first Christian theologians : an introduction to theology in the early church / edited by G.R. Evans.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Evans, G. R. (Gillian Rosemary)

Series:

Great theologians

The great theologians

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Theology--History--Early church, ca. 30-600.

Theology.

History.

Theology, Doctrinal--History--Early church, ca. 30-600.

Theology, Doctrinal.

Theology, Doctrinal--Early church.

Fathers of the church.

Physical Description:

xvi, 277 pages ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Malden, MA : Blackwell Pub., 2004.

Summary:

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 lsquo; Christian theologyrsquo; 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.

Contents:

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, 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.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-259) and indexes.

ISBN:

0631231889

0631231870

OCLC:

53223513