Coptic Christology in Practice: Incarnation and Divine Participation in Late Antique and Medieval Egypt (Oxford Early Christian Studies) [Hardcover]

Stephen J. Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2008 | Series: Oxford Early Christian Studies

Coptic Christology in Practice forges a new path in the study of ancient and medieval Christology. Employing a range of interdisciplinary methods derived from the fields of social history, discourse theory, ritual studies, and the visual arts, Stephen J. Davis demonstrates how Christian identity in Egypt was shaped by a set of replicable "christological practices." He thus enables readers to trace the fascinating lines of the Coptic church's theological and cultural transition from late antiquity to Dar al-Islam.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The rich texture of the Christological thought and practice explored here and the innovative combination of diverse source materials and modes of analysis make this book required reading for every scholar interested in the study of early Christian theology and spirituality. David Brakke, Journal of Early Christian Studies

About the Author

Stephen J. Davis is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Yale University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; First Edition edition (May 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199258627
• ISBN-13: 978-0199258628
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,637,958 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living Soteriological Faith of the Copts, August 27, 2010

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This review is from: Coptic Christology in Practice: Incarnation and Divine Participation in Late Antique and Medieval Egypt (Oxford Early Christian Studies) (Hardcover)

"Stephen Davis has crafted an outstanding book. Few people could have written this study, and the scholarly community is indebted to Davis for his unique areas of expertise. ...This book is a model for scholarship." --Church History

Coptic Christology in Practice:
Dr. Davis makes a compelling case articulated for a new venue in the study of Alexandrine Soteriology and Coptic Christology, from Clement to Matthew the poor, and Boulus al-Boushi. Stephen Davis demonstrates, simply by the genuinely beautiful icon posted on the cover of his pristine book, how the fellowship with Jesus, was practiced by St. Menas, a martyr, who enjoyed Jesus friendship. Such is a living visual example of Coptic christology, showing how Christian identity was shaped in Egypt by the tradition of charity in practice. Coptic christology, preserved in liturgy, hymns and art endured waves of Imperial oppression since Athanasius and to Sawirus Ibn al-Muqaffa's contemporary Khaliphs. Davis, writing this book, paves the road for scholars and inspires lay readers to explore the fascinating venues of Coptic church theology, liturgy, and cultural traditions. Dr. David Brakke, of Indiana University wrote a detailed critical review for the book in the Journal of Early Christian Studies.

Liturgy as Soteriology:
As a young Coptic Psaltos or Psalm chanter, I started to develop an interest in liturgy, which led me into Soteriology, Christology of the Pan-Soter, Jesus Christ. Mono-genes is a unique description of the only begotten Son in Coptic liturgy, and reflects the Coptic mystical understanding of the amazing office and person of the savior, as developed by Athanasius, perfected by Cyril of Alexandria, and expounded by Severus of Antioch. Athanasius debated that none could restores man's immortality, but He Who is life's source, by recovering man's true knowledge of God (De Incarnatione Verbi Dei). Man becomes partaker of the divine nature, by the grace of the Logos who reverses the principle of death by His precious gift of eternal life.

Dr. Stephen Davis:
A versed theologian who has written on the Coptic Church history, its Fathers, and theology. When I first encountered the Yale scholar, I was fascinated by his articulate essay on Boulus al-Boushi, a great Coptic theologian (1170-1250), analyzing the Bishop's Eucharistic reading of John 3:51-57. Later I was impressed by his command of Coptic and Arabic.

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