Description
Book SynopsisRecounts the historical and cultural process by which Cyril of Alexandria was elevated to canonical status while his opponent, Nestorius, bishop of Constantinople, was turned into a heretic. Argues that it was Cyril's mastery of rhetoric and ecclesiastical politics alike which ensured his victory over his adversary.
Trade ReviewSusan Wessel has produced a learned and exciting book, that adds much to our knowledge of the character and purpose of these significant theorists of the fifth century; and the volume is a worthy addition to the excellent series of Oxford Early Christian Studies. * John McGuckin, Sobornost *
I do indeed admire her assiduity. The references to the original sources are a real bonus. * L.R. Wickham, The Journal of Theological Studies *
Table of ContentsIntroduction ; I. THE TAPESTRY OF CYRIL'S EPISCOPACY FROM EGYPT TO THE IMPERIAL CITY ; 1. Confrontation in the Early Episcopacy ; 2. Political Alliance and the Onset of Controversy ; 3. The Reception of Nicaea ; 4. The Meeting of the Council ; II. THE RHETORIC OF THE NESTORIAN DEBATES ; 5. Rhetorical Style and Method in the Conciliar Homilies of Cyril ; 6. The Rhetorical and Interpretive Method of Nestorius ; 7. From a Tentative Resolution to the Renewal of Controversy (431 to 451 AD) ; Epilogue
