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Paideia and cult : Christian initiation in Theodore of Mopsuestia / Daniel L. Schwartz

Author
Schwartz, Daniel Louis, 1973-
Published
Washington, DC : Center for Hellenic Studies, 2013.
Cambridge, Mass. : Distributed by Harvard University Press
Physical Description
xii, 170 pages ; 23 cm.
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Contents
The problem of Christianization -- Christianization and conversion -- Late antique catechesis -- Theodoreâ's life, education, and ministry -- Theodoreâ's youth and education -- Theodoreâ's ecclesiastical career in context -- Theodoreâ's theological controversies -- The reception of Theodore and his works -- Approaching catechesis -- The disciplina arcani -- How secret were the mysteries? -- Inspiring awe in late antique religion -- Rhetorical strategies of catechesis -- The community of citizens -- The higher clergy -- The minor clergy -- Hierarchy and delegation -- Teaching the creed -- The theology of the catechetical homilies -- Theodoreâ's pedagogy -- The rhetoric of simplicity -- Sharing the mind of the community -- Teaching liturgy and performing theology -- Communicating awe-inspiring rites -- Clerical roles and heavenly reality -- Physical participation in the liturgy -- Experiencing heaven.
Summary
"Paideia and Cult explores the role of Christian education and worship in the complex process of conversion and Christianization. It analyzes the Catechetical Homilies of Theodore of Mopsuestia as a curriculum designed to train those seeking initiation into the Christian mysteries. Although Theodore gave considerable attention to teaching creedal theology, he sought to go beyond simply communicating information. His catechetical preaching set the teaching of Christian ideas within the context of religious community and ritual participation. In doing so he sought to produce a Christianized view of the world and of the convert's place in a community of worship. Theodore's attention to the communal, cognitive, and ritual components of initiation suggest a substantive understanding of religious conversion, yet one that avoids an overemphasis on intellectual and psychological transformation. Throughout this study catechesis emerges as invaluable for comprehending the ability of clergy to initiate new members as Christianity gained increasing prominence within the late Roman world."--Publisher's description.
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ISBN
9780674067035 (alk. paper)
0674067037 (alk. paper)
Bibliography Note
Includes bibliographical references (pages 147-166) and index.
View MARC record | catkey: 33850741