The Library of Eusebius of Caesarea
The Library of Eusebius of Caesarea

Author: Andrew James Carriker

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2003-11-01

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 9047402316

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This volume reconstructs the contents of the library in Roman Palestine of Eusebius of Caesarea (ca. 265-339) by examining Eusebius’ major works, the Ecclesiastical History, Chronicon,Preparation for the Gospel, and Life of Constantine. After surveying the history of the library from its origins as an ecclesiastical archive and its true foundation by Origen of Alexandria to its disappearance in the seventh century, it discusses how Eusebius used his sources and then examines what specific works were available in the library in chapters devoted to philosophical works, poetry and rhetoric, histories, Jewish and Christian works, and contemporary documents. The book ends with a useful list of the contents of the library.

The Apostles in Early Christian Art and Poetry
The Apostles in Early Christian Art and Poetry

Author: Roald Dijkstra

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2016-01-12

Total Pages: 568

ISBN-13: 9004309748

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The Apostles in Early Christian Art and Poetry presents the first in-depth analysis of the origins of the representation of the apostles (the twelve disciples and Paul) in verse and image in the late antique Greco-Roman world (250-400). Especially in the West, the apostles are omnipresent, in particular on sarcophagi and in Biblical and martyr poetry. They primarily function as witnesses of Christ’s stay on earth, but Peter and Paul are also popular saints of their own. Occasionally, the other apostles come to the fore as individual figures. Direct influence from art on poetry or vice versa appears to be difficult to trace, but principal developments of late antique society are reflected in the representation of the apostles in both media.

Seek to See Him
Seek to See Him

Author: April DeConick

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2015-12-22

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 9004313001

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This monograph represents a critical juncture in Thomas studies since it dispels the belief that the Gospel of Thomas originates from gnostic traditions. Rather, Jewish mystical and Hermetic origins are proposed and examined. Following this analysis, the anthropogony and soteriology of Thomas are discussed. The Thomasites taught that they were the elect children of the Father, originating from the Light. The human, however, became unworthy of these luminous beginnings and was separated from the divine when Adam sinned. Now he must purify himself by leading an encratite lifestyle. He is to ascend into heaven, seeking a visio dei which will transform him into his original immortal state and grant him citizenship in the Kingdom.

Demons and the Devil in Ancient and Medieval Christianity
Demons and the Devil in Ancient and Medieval Christianity

Author: Nienke Vos

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2011-07-27

Total Pages: 269

ISBN-13: 9004208054

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This collection of essays approaches the role of demons and the devil in ancient and medieval Christianity from a variety of scholarly perspectives: historical, philosophical, and theological as well as philological, liturgical, and theoretical. In the opening article Gerd Theissen presents a wide-ranging overview of the role of the devil, spanning the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and patristic literature. The contributions that follow address texts on the devil, demons, and evil, and are drawn from ancient philosophy, the New Testament, early Christian apologetics, hagiography, and history. Covering primarily the patristic period, the volume also contains articles on medieval sources. The introduction discusses the different angles of approach found in the articles in an effort to shed fresh light on this familiar but also uniquely troubling theme.

Fake Prophecy and Polluted Sacraments
Fake Prophecy and Polluted Sacraments

Author: William Tabbernee

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 524

ISBN-13: 9004158197

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"Fake Prophecy and Polluted Sacraments" is an insightful case-study of the opposition to Montanism, an early-Christian prophetic movement, by Church and State both before and after 'catholic' Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Clement of Alexandria on Trial
Clement of Alexandria on Trial

Author: Piotr Ashwin-Siejkowski

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2010-03-08

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 9047429710

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Clement of Alexandria (c.150–215 CE) is one of the most significant theologians of the second-century, and his work is still the subject of intense academic debate. This book provides a new perspective on Clement’s thought, through a critical examination of the work of one of his critics, Photios (c.820–893 CE). Photios, the Patriarch of Constantinople, based his critique on Clement’s (now lost) treatise ‘Hypotyposeis’, claiming the work contained eight ‘heresies’. The book examines each ‘error’ listed in the 109th codex of Photios’ ‘Bibliotheca’ in depth, using evidence from Clement’s existing work to consider the likely accuracy of Photios’ critique. Focusing on these eight ‘heresies’ offers a unique opportunity to illuminate what in terms of post-Nicene orthodoxy are Clement’s most problematic opinions, setting them in the context of their original philosophical and theological frame.

Living Water
Living Water

Author: Robin Jensen

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2010-11-19

Total Pages: 332

ISBN-13: 9004189084

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This general survey of early Christian baptismal iconography and architecture integrates visual depictions and physical settings of baptism with textual evidence for its practice and purpose. An opening overview of pictorial art (paintings, relief sculpture, mosaics, and ivories) prompts questions about components of the actual ritual which are treated in the literary sources. The study’s second half considers selected baptismal structures, examining the symbolism, purpose, and possible meaning of their spatial design and decorative programs. In most instances the synthesis of documentary and material evidence is enriching and complementary. However, even when physical and textual data diverge, their discontinuity demonstrates the variability of ritual performance and the perennial distinction between ideal and actual practice..

Christianity in the Second Century
Christianity in the Second Century

Author: James Carleton Paget

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-05-15

Total Pages: 367

ISBN-13: 1107165229

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Christianity in the Second Century seeks to show how academic study on this critical period of Christian development has undergone change over the last thirty years. It focuses on contributions from early Christian and ancient Jewish studies, and ancient history, all of which have contributed to a changing scholarly landscape.

The Earliest History of the Christian Gathering
The Earliest History of the Christian Gathering

Author: Valeriy A. Alikin

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 361

ISBN-13: 9004183094

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Recent research has made a strong case for the view that Early Christian communities, sociologically considered, functioned as voluntary religious associations. This is similar to the practice of many other cultic associations in the Greco-Roman world of the first century CE. Building upon this new approach, along with a critical interpretation of all available sources, this book discusses the social and religio-historical background of the weekly gatherings of Christians and presents a fresh reconstruction of how the weekly gatherings originated and developed in both form and content. The topics studied here include the origins of the observance of Sunday as the weekly Christian feast-day, the shape and meaning of the weekly gatherings of the Christian communities, and the rise of customs such as preaching, praying, singing, and the reading of texts in these meetings.

Evil, Freedom, and the Road to Perfection in Clement of Alexandria
Evil, Freedom, and the Road to Perfection in Clement of Alexandria

Author: Peter Karavites

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2015-12-22

Total Pages: 207

ISBN-13: 9004313109

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This study deals with Clement of Alexandria's interpretation of evil and free will in the context of the rising Christianity, the influence of Near Eastern and Greek thought on him, his differences from St. Augustine, and how his interpretation affected the rise of the Eastern Christian thought. The book also treats briefly the subject of man's personal aim in life perceived by Clement as the supersession of his nature. Failure to realize this personal aim in life leads to alienation from God, and death. The moral dilemma of Clement's interpretation of evil as failure of life's aim is not a conventional explanation of good and evil but something much more: the option between real life and death. Consequently, Clement's idea of evil refers to existential problems and ontological realities.