Overview

Marriage, Celibacy, and Heresy in Ancient Christianity is the first major study in English of the 'heretic' Jovinian and the Jovinianist controversy. David G. Hunter examines early Christian views on marriage and celibacy in the first three centuries and the development of an anti-heretical tradition. He provides a thorough analysis of the responses of Jovinian's main opponents, including Pope Siricius, Ambrose, Jerome, Pelagius, and Augustine. In the course of his discussion Hunter sheds new light on the origins of Christian asceticism, the rise of clerical celibacy, the development of Marian doctrine, and the formation of 'orthodoxy' and 'heresy' in early Christianity.

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9780199279784

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Reviews

It is important work that merits attention since its main trajectory is theological and contextual... The study id therefore a welcome addition to the study of sexuality and asceticism in late antiquity. Chris de Wet, Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae Hunter's study of the Jovinianist controversy is an admirable contribution to the study of late antique Roman society. Contemprary schlorship has developed quite an elaborate literature on asceticism and the sexual renunciation in late antiquity, as well as on the development of orthodoxy and heresy. Hunter's monograph provides invaluable - indeed, required - reading on both counts...a wonderful example of what the best scholarship in late antique Christianity ought to look like. Shawn W. J. Keough Bryn Mawr Classical Review In the end it is impossible not to be convinced by Hunter's central contention, that Jovinian is to be understood not as a 'laxist' advocate of unrestrained immorality but as a sincere and serious thinker. These same questions would be asked and answered again, from Pelagius to Martin Luther and beyond; and Hunter is right to restore them to a central place in the history of Christian ideas. Michael Stuart Williams Journal of Ecclesiastical History Hunter's excellent book will doubtless remain a standard work for years to come; although the topic is specialized, Hunter's fine style makes the book accessible to a wider audience than scholars of the late ancient Christianity Elizabeth A. Clark Journal of Early Christian Studies Hunter's work is impressive...it takes on some of the most contentious doctrinal issues from the early Christian period and clearly shows a church in formative mode. Aideen Hartney, Journal of Theological Studies

Author Information

David G. Hunter is Professor of Religious Studies and Monsignor James A. Supple Chair of Catholic Studies, Iowa State University.

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