Cyril of Alexandria (The Early Church Fathers) (Paperback)

by Norman Russell (Author) "When Cyril died in 444, he and his uncle Theophilus, whom he had succeed on the throne of Alexandria in 421, had ruled the Alexandrian..." (more)
Key Phrases: flesh endowed, incarnate nature, merciful high priest, Word of God, God the Father, God the Word (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A professional and enlightening piece of work.' - David Taylor, Reviews in Religion and Theology

'... Russsell's volume on Cyril of Alexandria is a fitting addition to The Early Church Fathers series ... All-in-all, a well-structured tool, full of sound information ... and translations which convey the quality of his work accurately and with sympathy.' - Wendy Meyer, Journal of Religious History

'A balanced and approachable introduction to the work of a man ahose thought was central to the shaping of the theology and piety of Eastern Christianity.' - Studies in World Christianity

'Norman Russell's book offers the reader an excellent opportunity to read one of the most subtle theologians of the Early Church. The translations are lively and accurate, and the author has sensitively (and generously) chosen what to offer in the light of what has already been made available by other modern translations of Cyril's opera. The result is that, with the appearence of the book, the student can gain access, for the first time, to an example of most of Cyril's important writings in an English version. Norman Russell is to be congratulated for his achievement.' -

'This excellent piece of patristic scholarship, which balances subtlety and accuracy with coherence and brevity, is concluded by a comprehensive bibliography and wide-ranging yet disciplined notes.' - Maxine West, Theology

... Russsells volume on Cyril of Alexandria is a fitting addition to The Early Church Fathers series ... All-in-all, a well-structured tool, full of sound information ... and translations which convey the quality of his work accurately and with sympathy. - Wendy Meyer, Journal of Religious History

A balanced and approachable introduction to the work of a man whose thought was central to the shaping of the theology and piety of Eastern Christianity. - Studies in World Christianity

Product Description
As ruler of the church of Alexandria and president of the Third Ecumenical Council of 431, Cyril was one of the most powerful men in the fifth century, an important thinker who defined the concept of christological orthodoxy for the next two centuries. A controversial figure, he is also often regarded as an unscrupulous, power-hungry cleric who was responsible for the overthrow of an archbishop and the murder of a female philosopher. The first detailed survey in English of Cyril's life and work, Cyril of Alexandria presents key selections of the writings of this complex figure, all freshly translated and put into context by an introduction that outlines his life and times, his scholastic method, his doctrine, and his significant influence on the Christian tradition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (June 8, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415182514
• ISBN-13: 978-0415182515
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,284,936 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cyril in a Nutshell, June 2, 2009

By	Quentin D. Stewart (USA) - See all my reviews

Cyril's ecclesiastical policies and methods are much debated, but his contribution to Christology is indisputable. The ecumenical councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon are not fully appreciated without understanding Cyril's theology and role in the conciliar proceedings and the later Monophysite defection.

Norman Russell provides a scholarly introduction to Cyril's life and then provides you with snippets of Cyril's Commentary on Isaiah and portions of his Commentary on John. Cyril's actual commentary on John is quite vast, but the selections presented here give you a clear picture of his understanding of the incarnation, the efficacy of the eucharist, the divine and human wills of Christ, the humanity of Christ, the mission of the Spirit and the Unity of Christians. Russell then provides translations of a small, but significant segment of Cyril's Five Tomes Against Nestorius. An Explanation of the Twelve Chapters is complete and received authoritative status at the fifth ecumenical council. Against Julian (the apostate emperor) also gives the reader glances of representative sections. Overall a very fine introduction to Cyril's thought.