Doctrine and Power - Transformation of the Classical Heritage by Carlos R Galvao-Sobrinho Hardcover

Book Synopsis

During the fourth century A.D., theological controversy divided Christian communities throughout the Eastern half of the Roman Empire. At stake was not only the truth about God but also the authority of church leaders, whose legitimacy depended on their claims to represent that truth. In this book, Carlos R. Galvao-Sobrinho argues that out of these disputes was born a new style of church leadership, one in which the power of the episcopal office was greatly increased. He shows how these disputes compelled church leaders repeatedly to assert their orthodoxy and legitimacy--tasks that required them to mobilize their congregations and engage in action that continuously projected their power in the public arena. These developments were largely the work of prelates of the first half of the fourth century, but the style of command they inaugurated became the basis for a dynamic model of ecclesiastical leadership found throughout late antiquity.

From the Back Cover

"Carlos Galvão-Sobrinho has taken the story of Arianism out of the stately tomes of theologians and into the streets of Alexandria. Here he finds that the search for greater precision and the new phenomenon of a Christian emperor do not sufficiently explain the devastating impact of this heresy on Christian unity. Instead, he exposes internal dynamics that spurned consensus and demonized opponent. The means by which extremists polarized the issue and eliminated middle ground will be sadly familiar to all students of the political process."

--H.A. Drake, author of author of Constantine and the Bishops: The Politics of Intolerance

Review Quotes

"A thoughtful and scholarly volume that has much to offer to anyone interested in either the Arian controversy itself or the wider subject of episcopal authority in late antiquity."-- "Bryn Mawr Classical Review"

"Scholars of early Christianity and of Christian theology more generally will find this fascinating reading. . . . Highly recommended."-- "CHOICE"

"Galvão-Sobrinho's research is impressive. . . .a challenging read, but one well worth the effort."-- "Reading Religion"

"A fascinating and innovative study . . . Galvão-Sobrinho succeeds."-- "Classical Journal"

"Cogently argued."-- "Louvain Studies"

"This book is a learned, thoroughly researched, and original study of some less acknowledged non-theological aspects of the Arian controversies from the time of Emperor Constantine's conquest of the East to the death of Constantius II."-- "American Historical Review"

About the Author

Carlos Galvão-Sobrinho is Associate Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.