The Rise of Christian Theology and the End of Ancient Metaphysics

Zachhuber offers a fascinating journey through the fluctuating fortunes of ousia and hypostasis. Some will undoubtedly find it difficult to apply the phrase 'Christian philosophy', mostly I suspect due to outmoded prejudices - but if recent studies on the relation of theology and philosophy in late antiquity are anything to go by, it will become necessary to engage with it. This engagement with philosophical ideas cuts across the Christian communities of the time, and unless we are prepared to examine what was happening in these variant traditions, we shall fail to grasp the historical significance of this intellectually exciting epoch. * Ken Parry, Macquarie University, Sydney, International Journal of Systematic Theology *
Zachhuber's brief history of Christian philosophy in the Greek-speaking world from the fourth to the eighth century convincingly shows that the later so-called mysteries of the Trinity and the Incarnation can be explained by means of natural reason, that is, against the background of ancient, especially Aristotelian and Stoic philosophy. This leads to the discovery or rediscovery of almost forgotten authors within the tradition of "Christian philosophy." The introduction afforded in this book, from Cappadocian philosophy to the philosophy of the individual, is of utmost relevance to the history of philosophy and to philosophy itself. * Theo Kobusch, Journal of Ancient Christianity [translated] *
Zachhuber has a penetrating eye for the subtleties of theological metaphysics, yet he is also admirably charitable to the writers he treats and capable of judiciously identifying both their strengths and their weaknesses ... This book will be of interest to students of patristic theology as well as to systematic theologians, given the fascination with Chalcedon in contemporary Christology. * Nathan Porter, Vigiliae Christianae *
The significance of Zachhuber's book cannot be overstated ... this provocative book brings to the surface old battles [...] while at the same time inaugurating a new phase in Gregorian scholarship. * J. Warren Smith, Duke University, Modern Theology *
Zachhuber's deeply philosophical book will be of enduring significance for historians of philosophy and theologians alike as well as scholars interested in the historical period from the perspectives of classical studies and ancient history. * Anna Marmodoro, The Classical Review *
Zachhuber's work is a significant contribution to our understanding of the development of patristic thought. It lays a foundation for the study of its influence in Western and Eastern Christendom and beyond. * James Rutherford, Moore Theological College, Newtown, Australia, Themelios *