Christology and Eucharist in the Early Thought of Cyril of Alexandria [Hardcover]

Lawrence J. Welch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1995

Based on a thorough reading of Cyril's Commentary on John, Lawrence Welch's analysis constitutes a compelling reconsideration of Cyril of Alexandria's early Christology. Challenging the traditional Logos-Sarx framework of study, Dr. Welch argues that for Cyril, the doctrine of the person of Christ cannot be considered apart from the doctrine of salvation or from the doctrine of Church's worship.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Intl Scholars Pubns (February 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0002880989
• ISBN-13: 978-0002880985
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,641,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Scholastic Analysis of Cyril's Alexandrine Patristic Thought, December 4, 2004

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Therapeutalex "Therapeutae AmeriCopt" (TherapeutAmerica, Virtually Theognostic USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christology and Eucharist in the Early Thought of Cyril of Alexandria (Paperback)

"The centrality of the Logos as the only and single hypostasis, must always be seen as the source of life and power." G. Bebawi

A Scholastic Monograph:
"Dr. Welch has chosen for his monograph, a topic that requires more investigation, especially during the present revival of Patristic studies. Initially, one must warn the reader against a scholastic and Western understanding of Patristic writings, resumes Dr. Bebawi(Cantab/ Nottingham), because scripture does not explain itself, as the scholastic method would have it. It is the rule of faith, or the canon of truth according to Irenaeus. This was called, as early as Athanasius of Alexandria, the 'scope' of the scripture."

Cyril on John's Gospel:
In the introduction and first chapter Dr. Welch discusses the date and chronology of Cyril's commentary on the Gospel of John, he deals with the fundamental theological presuppositions and exegetical principles as the background for his study. He presents a concise summary of the works and studies of St. Cyril utilizing available sources from late 19th century to the present time. He seems unaware of an English study, published in Athens by Fr. Dr. G. Dragas, an Athanasian Expert; 'St. Athanasius Contra Apollinarem', challenging the Logos-sarx christology, devoting over 100 pages to the 'human soul'in Christ (pp. 289-398)

Christological Clarifications:
a. The significance of the existence of a human soul in Christ prior to the rise of Anselm's atonement theories.
b. What are the roots of the idea of satisfaction on the ransom payment paid to the Father by the Son on the cross?
The Alexandrian fathers Athanasius and Cyril never treated Christ sacrifice, the same way the middle ages scholastics did. It is not in the passion of jesus pain and suffering that our redemption was affected, it is his victory over death and corruption. Dr. Welch uses the sacrifice of Jesus and similar terms , without engaging in the debate on the essence of our redemption, ignoring throughout his study a central aspect of Cyril's Soteriology. The English translation of Cyrils commentary on John renders it as the 'transelmented flesh of Christ', that takes place in Christ Himself, as a consequential result of the hypostatic union of His Divinity with his humanity, "in a matter unspeakable, and surpassing any human understanding, the Logos united to his own flesh and having, as it were, transformed it all into Himself."

Expert's Conclusion:
"For the rest, the book is more than useful. It provides the reader with an analysis of key subjects and an up-to-date bibliography. However, it does not challenge the studies of... W. Burghardt; 'The Image of God in man, according to Cyril of Alexandria, Waverly press, Baltimore, 1957) on the various meanings of sanctification in the commentary on john, and the other works of cyril. This could have offered an insight into the eucharistic theology of St. Cyril." G.H.B., Ph.D., Cantab, (Quoted from Coptic Church Review, vol. 15, No. 4, Winter 1994)