The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology (Theology and Life Series 21) [Paperback]

Leo D. Davis (Author)

Book Description

Series: Theology and Life Series | Publication Date: July 1990

First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787) Their History and Theology by Rev. Leo D. Davis, S.J. This unique work—no other work yet available in English treats this subject—illustrates the contribution of these Councils in the development and formulation of Christian beliefs. It then shows how their legacies lingered throughout the centuries to inspire—or haunt—every generation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 342 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (July 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814656161
• ISBN-13: 978-0814656167
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Matter-of-fact look at the early Church., April 20, 2001

By 

Xavier Thelakkatt (Dayton, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology (Theology and Life Series 21) (Paperback)

In this valuable book Leo Donald Davis, a Roman Catholic priest takes an objective look at the history of the Church and the theological story of the council meetings during the first seven ecumenical councils. Each chapter of the book is dedicated to one council; the circumstances that led to the council, the convening of the council, the actual deliberations and the aftermath of the council. The seven ecumenical council dealt with are the councils of Nicea I, Constantinople I, Ephesus, Chalcedon, Constantinople II, Constantinople III and Nicea II.

The life of the Church during these councils was very much intertwined with secular history. Secular politics and theological controversieis were often intermingled. The eccelsiastical rivalries were sometimes much worse than the political ones. The author deals with history in an objective manner and is preoccupied with showing the gruesome facts without taking any sides. The faithful people need to note that the Holy Spirit worked through all these persons and situations.

It is a delightful book. After having read this, our outlook on the Church and her doctrines will no more be the same.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best one on the subject, March 16, 2006

By 

Grigorii (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology (Theology and Life Series 21) (Paperback)

I know of no equivalent to this book. It does exactly what one would expect from its title. Even though, as has been pointed in previous reviews, Fr. Davis is a Roman Catholic and assumes a good many more Councils to be Ecumenical. The sub-title, 'Their History and Theology' is absolutely accurate. Fr. Davis gives ample historical and doctrinal introduction to each of the 7 Councils. The necessity and significance of the theology laid down by the Councils is very clearly expressed. Reading this book will definitely help you to gain, maintain, or further inform a sound and orthodox (if not Orthodox ! ) personal theology. Iow it may help you grow in your faith, as an Orthodox or a Catholic, and even a Protestant will walk away with a significant boost to his/her life of faith.

After having read this book, and having familiarized yourself with its contents you will have a good and balanced understanding of the theology of the Councils and you will understand the theology from its historical context which helps understand and underscore the necessity of the doctrinal decisions of the Councils to safeguard and make possible a salvific relationship to the All-Holy Trinity. But the book is not just a good personal read, I would put it to any teacher of theology that this book could very well serve as THE textbook for a Dogmatics 101 course.

Indispensible for those who want to have a good and balanced grasp of the history of doctrine and its relevance for today. I gave it 4 stars because it fails to refer to the Oriental Orthodox as such, the incorrect and derigatory term 'monophysite' is used instead. It also portrays a clear Roman Catholic tendency in its title and its emphasis on the role of the Pope of Rome.

IC XC

Grigorii

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent theological history, June 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology (Theology and Life Series 21) (Paperback)

The author has written a superior brief but informative summary of the most significant meetings of the early church. This book is a concise description of the social and political background of the Late Roman Empire, and an admirable synthesis of the complex and bewildering theologies that were rampant at the time. Davis also has a quite useful bibliography for those interested in more depth, but frankly I think you need a divinity degree if you want to exceed this account. In short, if you only want one book on the early heresies in the Christian religion, this is the volume.