On Christian Ethics: Translation (Popular Patristics Series)

by Basil of Caesarea

Publisher:

St Vladimir’s Seminary Press

, 2014

Overview

St. Basil was a towering figure in the fourth-century Church. In the midst of great controversy, he led the charge of those faithful to the doctrine proclaimed at Nicaea. For the bishop of Caesarea, the array of false teachings that plagued the Church was not merely a matter of conflicting opinions or interpretations. It was rather a result of the moral failure of so-called leaders of the Church to look first to the will of God revealed in Scripture as their compass in all things-in matters of both theology and personal conduct. Here St. Basil lays out a consistent theological ethic, rooted in a nuanced appreciation for the supremacy of Scripture. These texts, presented with the Greek on the facing page, are essential reading for anyone interested in early Christian approaches to ethics as well as the right use and interpretation of the Bible. This resource contains the English translation by Jacob N. Van Sickle.

Contents

Top Highlights

“That the one who is disposed toward any of the things of this life or who tolerates anything that separates him from God’s commandment in the slightest is incapable of becoming a disciple of the Lord.” (Page 111)

“I was reminded of what is recorded in the book of Judges: that each did what was right in his own eyes, which it explains by saying, ‘In those days there was no king in Israel.’³ And thinking on this, I concluded that the same must be true of the present (which is perhaps dreadful and astonishing to say but most evident to perceive), that perhaps the great disharmony and strife now present among those in the Church has arisen likewise from rejecting the one, truly great and only king and God of all—from everyone deserting the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and adjudging on his own authority determinations and rules for himself and electing to rule over against the Lord rather than to be ruled by the Lord.” (Page 41)

“That it is necessary not to waver over or doubt the things said by the Lord, but to be fully assured that every word of God is true and authoritative, even if nature might contradict, for this is precisely the struggle of faith.” (Page 119)

“That it is necessary not to be fixed on one’s own reasonings to the rejection of what is said by the Lord, but to understand that the words of the Lord are worthier of belief than one’s own convictions.” (Page 123)

“That all contention, even if it comes from a loving and reverent disposition, alienates one from the Lord, and that it is necessary for every word of the Lord to be accepted with all certainty.” (Page 133)

Product Details

• Title: On Christian Ethics: Translation
• Author: Basil of Caesarea
• Series: Popular Patristics Series
• Volume: 51
• Publisher: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press
• Print Publication Date: 2014
• Logos Release Date: 2018
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Christian ethics › Early works to 1800; Basil, Saint, Bishop of Caesarea, approximately 329-379. Ethike
• ISBNs: 9780881414936, 9780881414943, 15555755, 088141493X, 0881414948
• Resource ID: LLS:CHRSTNTHCSBSGRTENG
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:21:09Z

About Basil of Caesarea

Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great, (330 – January 1, 379) was the bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was an influential 4th century Christian theologian and monastic. Theologically, Basil was a supporter of the Nicene faction of the church, in opposition to Arianism on one side and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea on the other.