St. Basil the Great on the Holy Spirit

Rating:
Summary: A provocative example of early christian refutation
Review: Among the names attached to patristic literature, Basil is among the most celebrated in early church conflict. Some scholars have suggested that he was the most capable writer in Christian antiquity. He was one of ten children, raised as a product of atavistic Christianity, and educated in the classics at Athens. As founder of Western Monasticism, this Cappadocian Father spent most of his theological career promoting the ecumenity of the Church in light of the proliferation of theological dissension. This present exposition is a defense of orthodox Trintarianism, conducted in a confutation of Arianism, a multi-faceted heresy that enjoyed a popular dissemination within the church in the East during the 4th CE. However unintentional, Basil's denunciation of Arianism and its various proponnets, as scurrilous detractors, is evidenced in his own work which manifests the same vitrolic intensity in objection to their position. The antagonistic discourse was a putative activity among disputing schools of theology and this element is predominant throughout this exposition. Although a modern scholar will find Basil's methods of refutation unimpressive and possibly infantile, it is important to avoid the interposing of contemporary value on a work that appeals to theological identity exclusive to its age and prespicuous to its opposition. What remains fascinating for the contemporary linguist is the development of argument centralized on a few pivotal words which Basil believes have suffered superfluous exaggeration in the propagation of Arian opinions. However, pretentious his motivations are, Basil admits that his ultimate objective is to reunite the vacillating church in the midst of insurmountable oppression from the heterodoxy. For the theological enthusiast, this short but impressive work defines a crucial juncture in the formation of church thought. Ironically, the literary critic will find redemption in the exhaustive linguistic argument and the unilateral dedication to the niceties of grammar. As I previously stated, the only discouraging aspect of this purveyor of moral perscription is the interspersed derision introducing virtually every theological refutation. Endeavoring to maintain the unanimity of the Church, Basil's fasetious derision is at times inappropriate and such audacity can denigrate his position as well as his character. After all, ad hominum arguments are delicate when you are purporting your spiritual superiority in matters of divine importance!

Rating:
Summary: A provocative example of early christian refutation
Review: Among the names attached to patristic literature, Basil is among the most celebrated in early church conflict. Some scholars have suggested that he was the most capable writer in Christian antiquity. He was one of ten children, raised as a product of atavistic Christianity, and educated in the classics at Athens. As founder of Western Monasticism, this Cappadocian Father spent most of his theological career promoting the ecumenity of the Church in light of the proliferation of theological dissension. This present exposition is a defense of orthodox Trintarianism, conducted in a confutation of Arianism, a multi-faceted heresy that enjoyed a popular dissemination within the church in the East during the 4th CE. However unintentional, Basil's denunciation of Arianism and its various proponnets, as scurrilous detractors, is evidenced in his own work which manifests the same vitrolic intensity in objection to their position. The antagonistic discourse was a putative activity among disputing schools of theology and this element is predominant throughout this exposition. Although a modern scholar will find Basil's methods of refutation unimpressive and possibly infantile, it is important to avoid the interposing of contemporary value on a work that appeals to theological identity exclusive to its age and prespicuous to its opposition. What remains fascinating for the contemporary linguist is the development of argument centralized on a few pivotal words which Basil believes have suffered superfluous exaggeration in the propagation of Arian opinions. However, pretentious his motivations are, Basil admits that his ultimate objective is to reunite the vacillating church in the midst of insurmountable oppression from the heterodoxy. For the theological enthusiast, this short but impressive work defines a crucial juncture in the formation of church thought. Ironically, the literary critic will find redemption in the exhaustive linguistic argument and the unilateral dedication to the niceties of grammar. As I previously stated, the only discouraging aspect of this purveyor of moral perscription is the interspersed derision introducing virtually every theological refutation. Endeavoring to maintain the unanimity of the Church, Basil's fasetious derision is at times inappropriate and such audacity can denigrate his position as well as his character. After all, ad hominum arguments are delicate when you are purporting your spiritual superiority in matters of divine importance!

Rating:
Summary: A Classic Defense
Review: St. Basil's "On the Holy Spirit" is a classic defense of the Church's teachings about the third person of the Trinity. St. Basil also covers the sacraments and the use and importance of tradition in the Church's life as well. Should be read by all Orthodox Christians and anyone interested in the Church and the Church Fathers.

Rating:
Summary: A Classic Defense
Review: St. Basil's "On the Holy Spirit" is a classic defense of the Church's teachings about the third person of the Trinity. St. Basil also covers the sacraments and the use and importance of tradition in the Church's life as well. Should be read by all Orthodox Christians and anyone interested in the Church and the Church Fathers.