Faith in the Byzantine World (Lion Histories) [Paperback]

Mary Cunningham (Author)

Book Description

Series: Lion Histories | Publication Date: September 20, 2002

This brief but poignant study examines the key features of Byzantine Christianity from the 4th to the 15th centuries. Fabulously illustrated throughout, it covers a wide variety of subjects including: the structure of the Byzantine Church; liturgy and daily worship; doctrine; monasticism; icons and iconoclasm; architecture, art, and iconography; relations with the western church; and mission and expansion. The book ends by assessing the lasting legacies of the Byzantine Church, especially in the areas of liturgy, spirituality, and art.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary Cunningham is a Byzantine and Patristics scholar and the coauthor of The Cambridge Companion to Orthodox Christian Theology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Lion UK (September 20, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745951007
• ISBN-13: 978-0745951003
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,145,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction and Beautiful Layout!, June 28, 2003

By 

matt (the reading room) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Faith in the Byzantine World (IVP Histories) (Paperback)

I was so happy to come across this little gem of a book. While not exhaustive, it contains 11 chapters that clearly and simply outline the general flavor of Eastern, Byzantine Christianity. The author includes a variety of extended excerpts from primary sources, maps and beautiful photographs that really bring the subject to life. The layout of the book is what will win you over. Really well done! This is the main advantage of the book over similar titles. It is true that there is not the depth of theology that one would find in, say, Jaroslav Pelikan's "Volume Two of the Christian Tradition", nor in Timothy Ware's "Orthodox Church", but this book would certainly be the best companion to them. You really won't go wrong buying this for yourself or an interested friend. Enjoy!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Those Other Christians, January 2, 2003

By 

James S. Taylor (Scarborough, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Faith in the Byzantine World (IVP Histories) (Paperback)

Here in the West we tend to think of Christendom as being Protestant and Catholic, but there is a whole other world of Eastern Orthodox believers out there that we generally know little about. Most people probably gain their first reading exposure to this group through the works of Timothy Ware, which actually contain more information than this book, and comes up to current times. Though Cunningham's work is shorter, and pretty much restricts itself to the time between 330 and 1453, it does have the great advantage of containing a large number of beautiful full color photographs. These make the art, architecture, and locations of the Orthodox world of Byzantine times come immediately alive. The text is introductory, but hits all the important points of the history, politics, sociology, and culture of the times. It is a little thin on the theology, though there is a very interesting chapter on the worldview of the people. It is a good start for anyone looking for an easy to read introduction to the life and faith of this overlooked world.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Byzantine Christendom History, November 22, 2008

By 

dream factory (Triangulum, M33) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Faith in the Byzantine World (Lion Histories) (Paperback)

A concise (192 page) book which chronicles the byzantine christian world. Starting with Constantine's conversion and the new Rome = Constantinople, on through the church's division (1054), then moving through the midieval centuries (843-1453). Effectively disrupted by the Turks (1453).

A historical account of Orthodox Christianity and it's influence on the culture, laws, and values of that geographical civilization. Exploring fascinating empires & communities and the nature of their belief.

Mentionable sections include:
Schism between Constantinople/Rome.
Conversion of the 'Rus'.
Byzantine 'dark age'.
The rise of Islam.
The crusades.
Iconoclasm.
Theotokos.

Fabulously illustrated. Our favorote chapter "Art as an Expression of Faith" highlights Byzantine artifacts: ancient mosaics, icons, paintings. A beautifully produced art section in rich color reproduction including silver & gold.