The judgment that one forms of the theory and practice of penance in Christian antiquity will be largely determined by the interpretation which one puts upon these two treatises. On Penitence dates from Tertullian's Catholic period, and is a sermon addressed to the faithful on the subject of repentance and forgiveness. On Purity is one of his most violent Montanist treatises. In it he criticizes the policy the church follows in granting pardon to serious sins.
Maximus' sermons are models of a good, popular homiletic style that must have been widespread. Short, characterized by a love of imagery, and with passages of great beauty, they are direct and easy to understand, and in them Maximus manifests his engagement with his rural, superstitious and devout congregation. Maximus' ministry in Turin dates to the years between c. 390 and 408/423.
The composition of this work can be allotted to the period of the 540s and 550s. Cassiodorus deploys the psalms not only for the purposes of instruction in theology and hermeneutics, but also to inculcate a general education in eloquence.
The composition of this work can be allotted to the period of the 540s and 550s. Cassiodorus deploys the psalms not only for the purposes of instruction in theology and hermeneutics, but also to inculcate a general education in eloquence.
The composition of this work can be allotted to the period of the 540s and 550s. Cassiodorus deploys the psalms not only for the purposes of instruction in theology and hermeneutics, but also to inculcate a general education in eloquence.
This work, which establishes Irenaeus as the most important of the theologians of the second century, is a detailed and effective refutation of Gnosticism, and a major source of information on the various Gnostic sects and doctrines. This volume contains Book One.
Practical advice for preachers everywhere, written out of long experience and deep learning. Homilists will welcome its advice about language, the role of the imagination, preaching and prophecy, the liturgical setting of the preached word, social justice.
