Basil of Csarea (Transformation of the Classical Heritage) (Volume 20)

About this book

Basil of Caesarea is thought of most often as an opponent of heresy and a pioneer of monastic life in the eastern church. In this new biographical study however controversy is no longer seen as the central preoccupation of his life nor are his ascetic initiatives viewed as separable from his pastoral concern for all Christians. Basils letters sermons and theological treatises together with the testimonies of his relatives and friends reveal a man beset by doubt. He demanded loyalty but gave it also and made it a central feature of his church. In Rousseaus portrait Basils understanding of human nature emerges as his major legacy.