Medieval Heresies

'By showing that heresy can be treated within a single framework which embraces Christianity, Judaism and Islam, Caldwell Ames has in effect redefined the subject, and made an important contribution to comparative world history. In doing so she sustains a high level of learning and intellectual power and originality over a range almost as remarkable chronologically - from patristic times until the early modern period - as culturally.' R. I. Moore, Newcastle University
'Christine Caldwell Ames has written the most original and readable account of the emergence of unacceptable difference in religious belief and practice in the Abrahamic religions in the pre-modern period. She first describes the foundational differences among diaspora Judaism, Greek and Latin Christianity, and Islam between the fourth and eighth centuries. She then treats the establishment of an authoritative orthodoxy in each and the stresses within each that created different kinds of heterodoxies and different kinds of censures. Her conclusion points to several enduring consequences of these in all three religions down to the present.' Edward Peters, University of Pennsylvania
'Nothing comparable to the extant literature on Christian heresy exists for the Islamic world, while the terminological controversy - can we speak of 'orthodoxy' in Islam? - adds to the imbalance. With its comparative perspective to the three Abrahamic religions through history and its nuanced discussion of how 'heresy' is constructed and by whom, Caldwell Ames's book is a much welcome contribution that helps promote a better understanding of the Islamic case and provides stimuli for further research.' Maribel Fierro, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
'Christine Caldwell Ames not only provides us with a comprehensive study of heresy, or heresies, in medieval European and Near Eastern lands, but also puts forward a convincing thesis about the interplay between religious thought and social dynamics that cuts across confessional traditions.' Uriel Simonsohn, Speculum
'Undoubtedly, this is a very useful, erudite and needed book vividly showing the entangled history of religious dissent in these historical monotheisms … Her book can be thus used in a variety of ways, ranging from pure academic interest and research to teaching and other educational purposes, especially in current times, in which the continuing relevance of these monotheistic religions and their perceptions of 'right' and 'wrong' (or 'orthodoxy' and 'heresy', if you like) in various constellations becomes more than evident and at times makes the headlines worldwide.' Vasilios N. Makrides, Entangled Religions