Routledge Theophilus of Alexandria (The Early Church Fathers)

If Theophilus of Alexandria seems a minor figure today, it is because we persist in seeing him through the eyes of hostile contemporary witnesses, each of whom had his own reasons for diminishing Theophilus’ stature. In fact, he was one of the greatest bishops of the Theodosian era, who played an important role in a crucial phase of the Roman Empire’s transformation into a Christian society. Norman Russell's new assessment of Theophilus shows him as an able theologian, an expert ecclesiastical lawyer, a highly skilled orator and, surprisingly, a spiritual teacher. The introductory section examines his efforts to Christianize an Egypt still denominated by its great temples and his battles to maintain the pre-eminence of the Alexandrian Church in an age of rapid change. The texts, most of them translated into a modern language for the first time, reveal the full power and range of his thinking. Thoephilus of Alexandria brings back into focus a figure who has long been neglected in the study of early Christianity and will provide students and lecturers with a fresh perspective, not least through the translation of texts, for the first time, into English. Review "In conclusion, R.'s work is a valuable introduction to an oft embattled figure in patristic studies, and it does well in offering a different picture of Theophilus than is found in more traditional interpretations. Furthermore this book highlights the shifting balances of ecclesiastical power and authority in late antiquity through the life of one of the more notorious and colorful characters of the day. Scholars and students interested in church history, patristics, and the later Roman empire will benefit from this work." Reviewed by Young Richard Kim, Calvin College (yrkim@calvin.edu) BMCR 2007.09.08, Norman Russell , Theophilus of Alexandria. '...bold and original...' - Richard Price, International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church 'There are many ways in which Norman Russell's virtual 'discover' of Theophilus, for the benefit of a mainstream audience, contributes to fill in gaps in our understanding of various episodes in the early Church. Russell is to be commended finally not only for providing important material for filling in these gaps, but also for convincingly presenting the complex figure of Theophilus as interesting on its own merits...Russell's own authorial voice speaks with elegant clarity, erudite and persuasive in the opening introduction, clear and fluid in the translation.' -Khaled Anatolios, Weston Jesuit School of Theology 'Norman Russell's attempt to gain him a hearing, and a sympathetic one, is...bold and original.' - International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church About the Author Independent scholar