Divine Providence in Philo of Alexandria


Book Description

In his study Peter Frick starts with the examination of the theocentric structure of Philo's thought as outlined in the important passage De Opificio Mundi 171-2 where Philo correlates the idea of providence with his concept of God and the theory of creation. On this basis, any adequate understanding of providence in Philo must begin with the correlation between the formal aspects of the Philonic concept of God, especially the idea of God's transcendence, and Philo's conceptualization of the idea of providence in light of these formal aspects. In particular, the issue is how Philo can predicate that God is provident in nature, although God cannot be apprehended in his essence. Moreover, Philo explains the immanence of God in the cosmos in terms of the Logos and the divine powers, one of which he specifically characterizes as the providential power. Both the aspects of divine transcendence and immanence cohere in Philo's theory of creation. He conceives of the role of providence in cosmological matters as being responsible for the design, administration and continuous existence of the created universe. Two further issues, the questions of astral fatalism and theodicy, are critically important for a thorough understanding of Philo's conception of divine providence. Philo rejects the assumption implied in astral fatalism that the stars are transcendent divinities and thus have causal powers over human affairs. And he rejects astral fatalism because it renders absurd the notion of moral responsibility. Concerning the question of theodicy, Philo proceeds from the Platonic premise that God is not the cause for evil in any way. For him, the existence of moral evil exonerates God and his providence as the cause for evil and anchors the blame in the person.




Guide to Reprints


Book Description

The established reference work Guide to Reprints has been radically reworked for this edition. Bibliographical data was substantially increased where information was obtainable. In addition, the user-friendliness of Guide to Reprints was raised to the high level of other K.G. Saur directories through author-title cross-references, a subject volume, a person index and a publisher index. In this edition, the directory lists more than 60,000 titles from more than 350 publishers.




The American Historical Review


Book Description

American Historical Review is the oldest scholarly journal of history in the United States and the largest in the world. Published by the American Historical Association, it covers all areas of historical research.




The Oxford Handbook of Early Christian Studies


Book Description

Provides an introduction to the academic study of early Christianity (c. 100-600 AD) and examines the vast geographical area impacted by the early church, in Western and Eastern late antiquity. --from publisher description.




Ancient Apologetic Exegesis


Book Description

Taking a radical new approach to second-century theology, 'Ancient Apologetic Exegesis' examines the work of Saint Theophilus of Antioch, with a full understanding of the man and his times. The second century is often dismissed by theologians, despite a near-living memory of Jesus and his apostles from only a generation or two prior, but Stuart E. Parsons shows that a distinctive biblical exegesis was used by those second-century apologists who challenged Greco-Roman pagan religionists. Currentliterature misunderstands second-century exegetical approaches, but by looking behind anachronistic views of ancient genre, literacy, and rhetoric, we can rediscover a forgotten form of early Christian exegesis.




IS THE GIFT OF PROPHECY FOR TODAY?


Book Description

In the first century A.D., miraculous gifts occurred with the baptism with the Holy Spirit. These served as signs that God was no longer using the Israelite nation but that his approval now rested on the Christian church, which had been established by his Son. (Heb 2:2-4) On the day of Pentecost, miraculous gifts followed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and in each case mentioned in the New Testament where the miraculous gifts of the Spirit were given, at least one of the 12 apostles or Paul was present. (Ac 2:1, 4, 14; 8:9-20; 10:44-46; 19:6) With the death of the apostles, the transmittal of the gifts of the Spirit ended. Did the miraculous gifts of the Spirit cease? Is the gift of prophecy for today? It is imperative that we know the correct answer to that question.




Building the Body of Christ


Book Description

In Building the Body of Christ, Daniel C. Cochran argues that monumental Christian art and architecture played a crucial role in the formation of individual and communal identities in late antique Italy. The ecclesiastical buildings and artistic programs that emerged during the fourth and fifth centuries not only reflected Christianity’s changing status within the Roman Empire but also actively shaped those who used them. Emphasizing the importance of materiality and the body in early Christian thought and practice, Cochran shows how bishops and their supporters employed the visual arts to present a Christian identity rooted in the sacred past but expressed in the present through church unity and episcopal authority. He weaves together archaeological and textual evidence to contextualize case studies from Rome, Aquileia, and Ravenna, showing how these sites responded to the diversity of early Christianity as expressed through private rituals and the imperial appropriation of the saints. Cochran shows how these early ecclesiastical buildings and artistic programs worked in conjunction with the liturgy to persuade individuals to adopt alternative beliefs, practices, and values that contributed to the formation of institutional Christianity and the “Christianization” of late antique Italy.




Saints and Their Cults


Book Description

This is a paperback edition of a collection of ten papers by different authors on the cult of saints, first published in hard covers in 1983. Six have been translated from French including a pioneering study by Robert Hertz, one of Durkheim's most eminent pupils. The editor provides a wide-ranging general and historical introduction, and a 100- page annotated bibliography covering material on the subject in all disciplines and in four main languages.




Henoch


Book Description