Invitation to Syriac Christianity
An Anthology
Scott Fitzgerald Johnson editor Christine Shepardson editor Michael Philip Penn editor Charles M Stang editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:University of California Press
Published:1st Jun '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This anthology presents essential texts of Syriac Christianity, illuminating its unique contributions and historical significance within the broader Christian tradition.
In Invitation to Syriac Christianity, the author delves into the rich history and cultural significance of Syriac Christians, who have often been overlooked in contemporary discussions about Christianity. This community, which traces its roots back to Mesopotamia, played a vital role in the spread of Christianity across a vast region, from Turkey to China. Their unique form of Christianity not only influenced the religious landscape but also fostered connections between various empires throughout history.
The anthology features key foundational texts written in Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic that was widely spoken in the late ancient Middle East. These texts, spanning from the second to the fourteenth centuries, offer a rare glimpse into the beliefs, practices, and theological developments of Syriac Christians. By presenting these writings, the book highlights the distinctiveness of this branch of Christianity and its contributions to the broader Christian tradition.
Through Invitation to Syriac Christianity, readers gain access to a wealth of knowledge about a lesser-known but profoundly impactful segment of Christian history. This work invites scholars and enthusiasts alike to explore the depth of Syriac Christian thought and its enduring legacy, encouraging a reevaluation of its place within the larger narrative of Christianity.
"A courageous work. . . .meant to become a useful point of departure for teaching, learning, and further research on the numerous facets of Syriac literature. I have no doubt that the volume will serve this function in the best way." * Reading Religion *
"This volume represents a broad and accessible introduction to the material of Syriac studies, suitable for scholars of classics and the ancient world looking to familiarize themselves with this important late ancient language and its literary tradition. . . . also well suited for use as a sourcebook for undergraduate teaching." * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
"This volume is warmly recommended to every library that wants to keep history alive and help its students understand the present and future of an often-forgotten Christianity, through an appeal to the past epitomized in the excellent sources that this book skillfully presents." * Scripta Classica Israelica *
"An essential resource. . . .The rich array of texts succeeds in captivating the audience’s attention and inviting them to further study." * Religion *
"Through the selection of sources and the introductory materials, the editors guide readers through the Christian history of these regions…The result is a landmark volume that will be essential reading for church history seminars, ministers, and laity interested in the origins and history of the faith, and for scholars looking to familiarize themselves with the Syriac tradition." * RESTORATION QUARTERLY *
"The expertise of these editors is unimpeachable, and they have produced an extraordinary volume that is sure to become a standard introduction to Syriac Christianity." * Fides et Historia *
ISBN: 9780520299207
Dimensions: 254mm x 178mm x 30mm
Weight: 771g
462 pages