OutstandingOctober 17, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I own a number of books and resources relating to the seven ecumenical councils and this is by far the most helpful. Davis attends particularly well to the historical context of each council. This book is thorough and thoughtful. Highly recommended.
Christian HistoryJuly 3, 2007 3 out of 4 found this review helpful
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 . . .March 21, 2007 . . . 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.
I need a glass of water, pleaseFebruary 25, 2007 3 out of 11 found this review helpful
Bought it, but never finished reading it. It wasn't that I disliked it or the subject matter, but it was dry as sand. Then again, if you are interested in the first seven ecumenical councils of the church, you are probably used to dry texts!
Certainly not for those casually interested in the first seven ecumenical councils of the church.
The best one on the subjectMarch 16, 2006 18 out of 20 found this review helpful
I know of no equivalent to this book. It does exactly what one would expect from its title. Even though, as has been pointed in previous reviews, Fr. Davis is a Roman Catholic and assumes a good many more Councils to be Ecumenical. The sub-title, 'Their History and Theology' is absolutely accurate. Fr. Davis gives ample historical and doctrinal introduction to each of the 7 Councils. The necessity and significance of the theology laid down by the Councils is very clearly expressed. Reading this book will definitely help you to gain, maintain, or further inform a sound and orthodox (if not Orthodox ! ) personal theology. Iow it may help you grow in your faith, as an Orthodox or a Catholic, and even a Protestant will walk away with a significant boost to his/her life of faith.
After having read this book, and having familiarized yourself with its contents you will have a good and balanced understanding of the theology of the Councils and you will understand the theology from its historical context which helps understand and underscore the necessity of the doctrinal decisions of the Councils to safeguard and make possible a salvific relationship to the All-Holy Trinity. But the book is not just a good personal read, I would put it to any teacher of theology that this book could very well serve as THE textbook for a Dogmatics 101 course.
Indispensible for those who want to have a good and balanced grasp of the history of doctrine and its relevance for today. I gave it 4 stars because it fails to refer to the Oriental Orthodox as such, the incorrect and derigatory term 'monophysite' is used instead. It also portrays a clear Roman Catholic tendency in its title and its emphasis on the role of the Pope of Rome.
