This work presents the Antiochene understandings of how humans are the image of God. Frederick G. McLeod's, S.J., study spans a period of about a hundred years from the middle of the fourth to the middle of the fifth century C.E. He begins with an analysis of the Antiochenes' literal and historical method of interpreting Scripture. He then traces how the leading Fathers of the School of Antioch--namely Diodore of Tarsus, Theodore of Mopsuestia, John Chrysostom, Nestorius, and Theodoret--applied their scriptural hermeneutical principles to the passages regarding image. Since Theodore's thought on image is the most developed and stimulating of the Antiochenes, his position is primarily stressed. McLeod discusses the ramifications of Theodore's views on image for Christology, especially for understanding prosopon, as well as for soteriology, eschatology, and women's equality.
Filled with many new insights, the book highlights the Antiochene writers' unique approach to theology and their contributions to the theology of the Church of the East. No other overview exists in English.
