The Oxford Handbook of Maximus the Confessor
Overview
Maximus the Confessor (c.580-662) has become one of the most discussed figures in contemporary patristic studies. This is partly due to the relatively recent discovery and critical edition of his works in various genres, including On the Ascetic Life, Four Centuries on Charity, Two Centuries on Theology and the Incarnation, On the ‘Our Father’, two separate Books of Difficulties, addressed to John and to Thomas, Questions and Doubts, Questions to Thalassius, Mystagogy and the Short Theological and Polemical Works.
The impact of these works reached far beyond the Greek East, with his involvement in the western resistance to imperial heresy, notably at the Lateran Synod in 649. Together with Pope Martin I (649-53 CE), Maximus the Confessor and his circle were the most vocal opponents of Constantinople’s introduction of the doctrine of monothelitism. This dispute over the number of wills in Christ became a contest between the imperial government and church of Constantinople on the one hand, and the bishop of Rome in concert with eastern monks such as Maximus, John Moschus, and Sophronius, on the other, over the right to define orthodoxy. An understanding of the difficult relations between church and state in this troubled period at the close of Late Antiquity is necessary for a full appreciation of Maximus’ contribution to this controversy.
The editors of this volume provide the political and historical background to Maximus’ activities, as well as a summary of his achievements in the spheres of theology and philosophy, especially neo-Platonism and Aristotelianism.
- Integrates for the first time Maximus’ works and thought into the history of his life in the politically troubled times of seventh-century Byzantium
- Covers one of the most discussed figures in contemporary studies of Byzantine theology, philosophy, and the history of the seventh century
- Contains contributions from thirty of the foremost scholars in the field
- Historical Setting
- Theological and Philosophical Influences
- Works and Thought
- Reception
Lovers of Maximus will be loathe to return it to the library reference shelf.
—Clarion Journal
- Title: The Oxford Handbook of Maximus the Confessor
- Authors: Maximus the Confessor, Pauline Allen, Bronwen Neil
- Edition: First Edition
- Series: Oxford Handbooks
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Print Publication Date: 2015
- Logos Release Date: 2021
- Pages: 611
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- Subjects: Maximus, Confessor, Saint, approximately 580-662; Church and state › Europe--History--To 1500
- ISBNs: 9780199673834, 0199673837
- Resource ID: LLS:OXFORDHBKMAXIMUS
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:34:21Z