The First Christian Theologians: An Introduction to Theology in the Early Church

by G. R. Evans (Editor)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780631231875
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	06/07/2004
Series:	The Great Theologians
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.70(h) x 0.84(d)

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 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

Editorial Reviews

"Beyond doubt this is one of the best introductions available to the English reader who is interested in the Theology of the early Church." Mihail Neamtu, King's College, London

From the Publisher