Visions of Christ
Subtitle: the anthropomorphite controversy of 399 CE
By: Paul A. Patterson
Series: Studien und Texte zu Antike und Christentum / Studies and Texts in Antiquity and Christianity -- 68; Studien und Texte zu Antike und Christentum -- 68.
Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
Published: 2012
Place of publication: Tübingen
Language: eng
Number of pages: 179
ISBN-13: 9783161520402
Subjects: Christian heresies; Religious disputations; Anthropomorphism; God (Christianity); Church history; Attributes; History of doctrines; History
Description: In the late fourth century, tales began to circulate of 'anthropomorphites' dwelling in the Egyptian desert-uneducated monks who crudely believed God to have a body. This characterization was accepted until the nineteenth-century discovery of "The Life of Apa Aphou of Pemdje". Although clearly defending the 'anthropomorphites,' this text does not promote any sort of anthropomorphism. Further analysis led many scholars to conclude that what the anthropomorphites were actually defending was the legitimacy of forming images of the Incarnate Christ in prayer. However, this view fails to fully explain numerous anti-anthropomorphite writings (those of Theophilus, Jerome, Cassian, Cyril and Augustine). Taking these into account, as well as certain Nag Hammadi texts and the works of Philo, Paul A. Patterson shows that the anthropomorphites were bearers of an ancient tradition, seeking in prayer the vision of the eternal, divine body of Christ.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and indexes.