The Narrative Shape of Emotion in the Preaching of John Chrysostom

1. Auflage 2020
ISBN: 978-0-520-34517-1
Verlag: University of California Press

Buch, Englisch, Band 10, 228 Seiten, Cloth Over Boards, Format (B × H): 236 mm x 160 mm, Gewicht: 456 g

Reihe: Christianity in Late Antiquity

John Chrysostom remains, along with Augustine, one of the most prolific witnesses to the world of late antiquity. As priest of Antioch and bishop of Constantinople, he earned his reputation as an extraordinary preacher.In this first unified study of emotions in Chrysostom’s writings, Blake Leyerle examines the fourth-century preacher’s understanding of anger, grief, and fear. These difficult emotions, she argues, were central to Chrysostom’s program of ethical formation and were taught primarily through narrative means. In recounting the tales of scripture, Chrysostom consistently draws attention to the emotional tenor of these stories, highlighting biblical characters’ moods, discussing their rational underpinnings, and tracing the outcomes of their reactions. By showing how assiduously Chrysostom aimed not only to allay but also to arouse strong feelings in his audiences to combat humanity’s indifference and to inculcate zeal, Leyerle provides a fascinating portrait of late antiquity’s foremost preacher.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Leyerle, Blake

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Religionsgeschichte
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Alte Geschichte & Archäologie
• Geisteswissenschaften Christentum, Christliche Theologie Christentum/Christliche Theologie Allgemein

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Acknowledgments
Introduction. The Narrative Shape of Emotion
Chrysostom's Program
Plan of the Study

1. Anger
The Origin of Rage
Quelling Anger
Anger’s Imperative
Conclusion Inscribing the Lesson: David and Saul
2. Grief
The Sadness of Things Envy, Malice, and Indignation Grieving over the Dead, the Sick, and the Barren
Lamenting Personal Debility
Mourning Sin
Conclusion A Case Study in Surmounting Sadness: Job
3. Fear
The Disciplinary Force of Fear Fear as a Bridle
Fear as a Goad The Social Benefits of Fear

Fear as a Deliberative State

Conclusion The Advantages of Fear: Cain
4. Chrysostom's Goal: Stimulating Zeal
Rhathymia
Arousing Aversion Awe

Shame

Disgust Inspiring Emulation
Conclusion Imitating Zeal: The Samaritan Woman

Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

Über Autor(innen)

Blake Leyerle is Professor of Early Christianity in the Department of Theology and the Department of Classics at the University of Notre Dame.