The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology Volume 21

by Leo Donald Davis

This unique work - no other work yet available in English treats this subject - illustrates the contribution of these Councils in the development and formulation of Christian beliefs. It then shows how their legacies lingered throughout the centuries to inspire - or haunt - every generation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814656161
• ISBN13: 9780814656167
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Liturgical Press
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Christian History

When you are studying the history of the christian faith you face that the History of the Councils is but very few pages. The truth is that the Ecumenical Councils had positive and negative results in the history of Christianity. The definition of the two natures in Christ was reached in Council. The Divity of Christ was defended in Council. The three Divine Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit weas defined in Councils. Even the old differences detween believers and the jewish sinagogue can be understood better by reading some of the definitions of the first seven Ecumenical Councils. This book is a valuable tool for Seminarians, Pastors, Teachers, Sunday School teachers, Evangelists. If you do not understand the past, how do you think are going to understand the present and the future of the Church of the Lord.

An outstanding examination . . .

. . . of the "Age of the Councils" -- that 450 year period which gave the Church the first Seven Ecumenical Councils. This is the single best one-volume treatment of this extensive subject that I have ever seen. An in-depth introductory chapter sets the historical, political, and religious stage, with the ending of the Diocletian persecution, the conversion of Constantine, and the beginning of the toleration of Christianity. After the introduction, an entire section is devoted to each Council, beginning with the historical and political milieu, and the various reasons for the various controversies. Fr. Davis then continues each section with an account of the Council itself, a detailed description of the proceedings, major personalities involved, etc. Following the conclusion of each section is a timeline and a detailed bibliography. I highly recommend this book for undergraduates studying higher level theology and for graduate students -- as well as for the informed layman who wants a greater level of understanding -- both historical and theological -- of this very important era in Church history.

A Matter-of-fact look at the early Church.

In this valuable book Leo Donald Davis, a Roman Catholic priest takes an objective look at the history of the Church and the theological story of the council meetings during the first seven ecumenical councils. Each chapter of the book is dedicated to one council; the circumstances that led to the council, the convening of the council, the actual deliberations and the aftermath of the council. The seven ecumenical council dealt with are the councils of Nicea I, Constantinople I, Ephesus, Chalcedon, Constantinople II, Constantinople III and Nicea II.The life of the Church during these councils was very much intertwined with secular history. Secular politics and theological controversieis were often intermingled. The eccelsiastical rivalries were sometimes much worse than the political ones. The author deals with history in an objective manner and is preoccupied with showing the gruesome facts without taking any sides. The faithful people need to note that the Holy Spirit worked through all these persons and situations.It is a delightful book. After having read this, our outlook on the Church and her doctrines will no more be the same.

worth 10 stars!

While not many scholars have pulled this sort of thing off well, Davis does it with amazing detail (though not cumbersome) and lucid style. It is welcome to have such a work in English. I recommend that the reader would see my review of Kelly's "Early Christian Doctrines" for a list of other works of relevance, especially Allison's "The Cruelty of Heresy". Enjoy!

excellent theological history

The author has written a superior brief but informative summary of the most significant meetings of the early church. This book is a concise description of the social and political background of the Late Roman Empire, and an admirable synthesis of the complex and bewildering theologies that were rampant at the time. Davis also has a quite useful bibliography for those interested in more depth, but frankly I think you need a divinity degree if you want to exceed this account. In short, if you only want one book on the early heresies in the Christian religion, this is the volume.