Doctrine and Power: Theological Controversy and Christian Leadership in the Later Roman Empire Volume 51 (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780520257399)

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.


Author: Carlos R. Galvao-Sobrinho
ISBN-10: 0520257391
ISBN-13: 9780520257399
Publisher: University of California Press
Language: English
Published: 08/30/2013
Pages: 328
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.00h x 5.80w x 1.30d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 06/01/2014