The World of the Early Christians By Joseph F. Kelly

Abstract

726book reviews Batriq) and John of Nikiou. A key figure in the Monophysite controversy, Pope Timothy II Aelurus, receives rather perfunctory treatment. Other omissions include Emperor Anastasius and Barsauma the monk, an important figure at the "Robber Synod" of Ephesus. Bar Hebraeus is there, but not Michael the Syrian. The article on the Secret Gospel ofMark, already outdated, is a mere historical curiosity in view of recent research. But these few negative remarks pale in light of the overall achievement of this comprehensive source. It is a testimony to the vitality and breadth of early Christian studies in North America. It is also testimony to the perceptive editing and revising skills of Everett Ferguson and his associate editors, Michael McHugh and Frederick Norris. David Johnson, SJ. The Catholic University ofAmerica The World ofthe Early Christians. ByJoseph F. Kelly. [Message ofthe Fathers of the Church, Volume 1.] (Collegeville, Minnesota: A Michael Glazier Book, The Liturgical Press. 1997. Pp, xviii, 23 1 . $22.95 paperback.) The World of the Early Christians is an attempt to provide an introductory text to the student of historical theology. The bulk of this treatment deals basically with the cultural life ofthe Christian within the early Church. The last section includes a tightly written history of major writers and events in the East and West for the first six centuries. The author delves into such issues as the view of the physical world as seen by Christians, entertainments presumed to be morally licit, such aspects of daily life as slavery,wealth and poverty,women, church and state, and war and peace. Kelly is careful in his use of terminology, bearing in mind that he has written for the novice student of church history. He writes into his text origins for such terms as martyr and manuscript. He is also quick to point out the fallacy of such beliefs that persecution was continuous for the first three hundred years rather than the sporadic nature of such persecutions,which depended entirely on the whim of the person in authority. In his treatment of women, Kelly cites primary texts but at times relies on secondary references. He would have been better informed if he had relied more readily on the primary sources. A text providing a sweeping view of the life ofthe early Christian is necessarily given to generalities. He draws a general statement, "Most Church Fathers saw the temptress Eve in all women." One might wonder where this author would place the correspondence ofJerome to women who are consecrated virgins, the writings of Ambrose of Milan on virginity , or the dialogue of Gregory of Nyssa with his sister Macrina on the soul and resurrection. The last chapter of the text is a well written, concise, very readable narrative of significant people and events of the first six centuries of the Church. Kelly book reviews727 brings a vibrancy to this volume in highlighting the roles of churchmen counteracting heretical movements and thus in turn writing theology that is called upon so readily today. Kelly writes his World ofthe Early Christians with the premise that most students have "no knowledge of the ancient world." He has thus produced an engaging and readable study of the ancient Christian culture and history. Bearing in mind that the author is at times given to general statements which may sometimes be challenged, this edition is a worthwhile contribution to adult education programs and to the novice studying church history. Sister Madeleine Grace, CVI. University ofSt. Thomas Houston, Texas Perpetua's Passion: The Death and Memory of a Young Roman Woman. By Joyce E. Salisbury. (New York: Routledge. 1997. Pp. ix, 228. $19.95 paperback .) The martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas (not "Felicity," please!) has been the subject of many scholarly editions and analyses. So why bring out a new book on this very old subject? The answer lies perhaps in the author's method of approaching historical problems through such disciplines as sociology and psychology . The result is a brief but compact treatment of all those historical, religious, and communal experiences which may have molded Perpetua's character and prepared her for voluntary, sacrificial death. The book is very well organized around the central event...