Additional information
by Ramsay MacMullen (Author)
An eminent historian explores how early Christian doctrine was determined by majority vote in church councils during the third to sixth centuries
In this study, Ramsay MacMullen steps aside from the well-worn path that previous scholars have trod to explore exactly how early Christian doctrines became official. Drawing on extensive verbatim stenographic records, he analyzes the ecumenical councils from 325 to 553, in which participants gave authority to doctrinal choices by majority vote. The author investigates the sometimes astonishing bloodshed and violence that marked the background to church council proceedings, and from there goes on to describe the planning and staging of councils, the emperors' role, the routines of debate, the participants' understanding of the issues, and their views on God's intervention in their activities. He concludes with a look at the significance of the councils and their doctrinal decisions within the history of Christendom.Author Biography
Ramsay MacMullen (1928-2022), a widely regarded historian of Rome and early Christianity, was Dunham Professor Emeritus of History and Classics at Yale University. His many books include Corruption and the Decline of Rome; Roman Social Relations, 50 B.C. to A.D. 284; Christianity and Paganism in the Fourth to Eighth Centuries; Christianizing the Roman Empire; and Romanization in the Time of Augustus.
Number of Pages: 192
Dimensions: 0.68 x 9.32 x 6.34 IN
Illustrated: Yes
Publication Date: October 10, 2006
