Basil of Caesarea: A Guide to His Life and Doctrine (Cascade Companions)
Overview
Studying the early church can feel like entering a maze of bishops, emperors, councils, and arcane controversies. This book introduces early Christian theology by focusing on one particularly influential figure, Basil of Caesarea (ca. AD 330–378). It views Basil against the backdrop of a Roman Empire that was adopting Christianity. In Basil’s day, Christians were looking for unity in the teaching and practice of their faith. This study acquaints the student with Basil’s brilliant—and often neglected—theological writings. In particular, Saint Basil’s reflections on the Trinity emerge from these pages as fascinating and illuminating testimonies to the faith of early Christians.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Save more when you purchase this book as part of the Cascade Companions Series (15 vols.).
- Focuses on the figure of Basil of Caesarea
- Views Basil against the backdrop of the Roman Empire
- Links all Scripture passages to the Bibles in our library
For decades, Basil’s thought was overshadowed by the reputation of his brother, Gregory of Nyssa. But in recent years a new generation of scholarship—Völker Drecoll, Mark DelCogliano, Philip Rousseau, and Andrew Radde-Gallwtiz—has shown us anew the power of Basil as theologian . . . This concise and elegant discussion offers us the best short introduction to Basil available in any language.
—Lewis Ayres, Bede Professor of Catholic Theology, Durham University
Basil of Caesarea’s gifts as church politician and monastic founder have attracted much attention in recent scholarly literature, though his importance as a thinker and theologian had been neglected in favor of his younger brother, Gregory of Nyssa. In this clearly written book, Andrew Radde-Gallwitz helps us see Basil’s brilliance as a theologian. Basil of Caesarea establishes Radde-Gallwitz as one of the finest scholars of Christian late antiquity.
—Andrew Louth, emeritus professor of patristic and Byzantine studies, Durham University
Andrew Radde-Gallwitz is assistant professor of theology at Loyola University, Chicago. He is the author of Gregory of Nyssa and Transformation of Divine Simplicity.
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
7/4/2016
This is an excellent, easy-to-read book that covers Basil of Caesarea (including his theology). I must admit I knew only a little of Basil before reading this and very much enjoyed reading this book. The Author does a fine coverage of Basil's theology on the Holy Spirit, and of his arguments for the Nicene declaration of Jesus. So this is also an excellent introduction to the arguments around the Trinity in the 4th Century. The Author has aimed, and I would say succeeded, in placing Basil into his environment and encourages the reader to appreciate the man in that context. The Author points out the flaws as well as the genius of Basil, and I think he does it without 21st Century judgement. I felt that I got to appreciate Basil the man, not just the icon of Church History. I liked that the Author pointed out that Basil was more a Pastor, then he was a Bishop - more of a Theologian than a Church Politician - though no doubt in both cases he was also the latter. Plus I was surprised to see that he died before he was 50 (makes me feel old). Also quite a nice bibliography and well referenced - which makes this also a nice addition to any theological library. This book has increased my desire to read more about Church History, plus I really enjoy books about the Trinity :)