You may have to Search all our reviewed books and magazines, click the sign up button below to create a free account.
An English translation from Greek of Justin Martyr's two major apologetic works, which are recognized as a formative influence on the development of Christian theology in the early church. +
None
None
This book is a scholarly study of the life and thought of the early Christian apologist Justin Martyr. A Samaritan of Greek education, martyred in Rome in A.D. 165, Justin belonged to a generation still in touch with those who had known the apostles. In the predominantly pagan world of the second century, Christian gatherings for the celebration of the Eucharist were often misrepresented as a cloak for incest, cannibalism and child murder. Three works by Justin vindicating Christianity against such charges survive. Mr Barnard uses these texts to discuss Justin's philosophy and its influence.
None
Fairacres Publications 120 Scholars have often concentrated on the theological writings of St Athanasius (c. 296-373 AD) and on his influence as a religious leader, so that his contribution to the monastic life has not received due recognition. In these six letters addressed to monks, Athanasius is revealed as a wise spiritual guide and loving pastor, determined that the monks should receive sound teaching, so as to avoid the pitfalls of heresies current at that time. As Leslie Barnard notes in his Introduction, ‘The permanent significance of these letters lies in their wisdom, moderation and balance.’
Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria from AD 328 - 373, was deeply involved in the ecclesiastical conflicts of his age. His major work, Apologia Secunda, completed in AD 357/358 is of great interest in giving Athanasius' defence against the charges which had been pressed against him by his opponents. The present book expounds the significance of the documents which he reproduces by checking these against other sources. It is shown that Athanasius' judgement in historical matters is less sure than in theology. Convinced of the rightness of his cause he adopted dubious methods against the Meletians and Eusebians. The book concludes with a series of appendices which fill out what is often only implicit in the Apologia.
Athenagoras, the late-second-century apologist, was almost unknown in Christian antiquity and has not attracted much attention from modern scholars. This study examines systematically what is known of his life, his works, his background in Greek philosophy and in the Biblical and Christian tradition. His doctrines of God, of the Logos-Son, the Holy Spirit and the Trinity are discussed as is his doctrine of Creation and of man. His knowlege of the Church and liturgy is shown to be more extensive than has beensometimes thought. Finally his strong emphasis on the Christian life and his witness to the moral goodness found among Christians from all classes of society are shown to be convincing proofs of the difference Christianity has made by its coming into the Graeco-Roman world. The author argues that the value of Athenagoras' work lies in his sensitivity to the intellectual currents of his time which he sought to adapt to the service of the Christian faith.