Outreach and Renewal

by McSherry, James

• ISBN13: 9780879072360
• ISBN10: 0879072369
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-12-31
• Publisher: Cistercian Pubns

Summary

This work represents a novel treatment of the mission of the Church fathers, the early Christian ascetics, and their disciples during the turbulent centuries that followed the passing of the apostles. Approaching a normally arcane subject largely through the interplay of character and incident, Outreach and Renewal provides a stirring account of the various ways in which spiritual leaders of the time promoted the Gospel message. Readers experience these leaders as they illuminate, strengthen, restore, or defend the faith of fellow Christians. Facilitating fresh insights and thought-provoking conclusions, the theme proceeds through the interaction of a varied cast of vital individuals engaged in lively and sometimes acerbic discourse, which is always aimed at the glory of God. With the careful attention the author gives to the early Irish church and its singular representatives, this work is a unique and valuable contribution to the study of the patristic era. Book jacket.

Author Biography

James McSherry is a retired teacher. Married with four adult children, he has a background in literary studies. His interests include late classical writings, the early medieval period, and church history. The realization that these elements intersected so dynamically in the lives and times of the fathers led him to undertake the present study. The writer's experience of education has enabled him to ensure that, while Outreach and Renewal is accessible to the general reader, it should be of value to those embarking on a range of academic disciplines.

Table of Contents

List of Abbreviations	p. vii
Preface	p. ix
Introduction	p. 1
The Fathers and the Apostles	p. 5
The Two Cities Called to Serve	p. 12
The Spirit of Asceticism	p. 24
Martyrs, Ascetics, and Fathers	p. 35
Humility and Truth Testaments of Faith	p. 44
Brotherhood and Betrayal	p. 56
The Sacramental Life	p. 68
The Power of Prayer	p. 76
Defenders of the Faith	p. 84
Leo the Great Faith and Vision	p. 96
The Church and the Pagans	p. 106
Renewal and Asceticism Gregory the Great	p. 116
The Pope, the Abbot, and the Gauls	p. 129
Schism in Italy	p. 139
The Wisdom of the Ascetics Benedict, Columban, Cassian	p. 145
Suffering, Sin, and Forgiveness	p. 155
Dispelling the Darkness	p. 163
Aidan, Bede, and Boniface	p. 172
The Carolingians and the Two Cities	p. 182
The Gregorian Reform	p. 195
Anselm In the Steps of the Fathers	p. 203
The Last of the Fathers	p. 213
Finding Jerusalem Sparks from the Fire	p. 222
Faith and Reason	p. 233
A Light Not Quenched Bernard and the Bishops	p. 242
Epilogue The Legacy of the Fathers	p. 256
Bibliography	p. 260
Index	p. 272
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