Patristic Thought and the Emotions 721A

A consideration of the role and function of the emotions in the human person according to such authors as Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil of Caesarea, Augustine, Nemesios of Emessa, and John Cassian. Contemporary theories of the emotions will also be examined.

The Cappadocian Theologians 822B

The thought and culture of the Cappadocians, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa, including such topics as the divine economy, neo-Arianism, and the Trinitarian controversy, Christian anthropology, the progress and dissemination of monasticism, the limits of theological language, and the reception of classical antiquity.

Irenaeus and the Gnostics 822D

An examination of the culture, historical context, and thought world of the second century theologian, Irenaeus of Lyon, including the confrontation with Valentianian Gnosticism, the interpretation of Scripture, eschatology, the Adam-Christ typology, the divine economy, baptism, salvation, and the spirit. The questions and directions he established for the future will also be considered.

Formation of Orthodoxy from Nicaea I to Nicaea II 727B

A history of the councils from Nicaea I to Nicaea II in the light of the relationship between church and state; the role of the emperor in ecclesiastical decision-making; the extent to which ecclesiastical politics shapes the formation of heresy and orthodoxy; the making of text and tradition; and the strategies by which compliance with orthodox belief is secured. The acts of the councils, including letters, doctrinal treatises, homilies, and minutes of conciliar meetings, as well as church histories, Vitae, and imperial documents will be studied.

Patristic Anthropology 727A

A study of the human person in the patristic world according to Irenaeus, Origen, Plotinus, Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine, Nemesios of Emessa, Boethius, and Evagrius Ponticus. The soul and its relationship to body will be considered in the light of the mind-body dualism that has been attributed to Christian texts. Memory, the passions and emotions, human action, perception, and the relationship of each of these to bodily processes will also be examined in order to develop a nuanced conception of the Christian self and to reassess the predominance of the dualist model.

Women in the Christian Tradition 368

This course examines the varieties of religious devotion that enabled women to achieve sanctity in the church, with particular attention to the practice of asceticism and mysticism among outstanding women of Ancient and Medieval times. Contemporary Catholic writings about women will also be considered.

Topics in Greek Patristics I and II 823C, 823D

Reading of selected Greek patristic authors in the original language. Permission of the instructor is required.