Questions of Patristics I [ LTHEO2321 ]

In order to reach theses targets : - One special question pertaining to various testimonies of the ancient Christian literature, considered in its literary, dogmatic and theological aspects will be analysed; - The different extracts read during the course will be situated in their historial and theological context.

The successful student will be able to : - tackle a theological or literary question pertaining to the ancient Christian literature, mainly Greek and/or Latin; - read critically the ancient theological sources; - make use of the patrologist's main working tools.

This year, the course will be devoted to the study of three giants of the Golden Age of patristics : of the Three Cappadocians we will approach S. Basil of Caesarae and S. Gregory of Nazianzenus, whereas the Antiochian tradition will be represented by S. John Chrysostomus.

As it is fitting to patrology, the dogmatic approach will be necessarily complemented by a historical and biographical contextualisation. Besides, the course will be centered on the students' direct contact to the most significant texts of the chosen authors.

Without putting aside the properly dogmatic aspects (Trinitarian and Christological) of their thoughts, the ecclesiological, sacramental and mystical issues of the Fathers will receive special attention.

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