Date of Award:

5-2015

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Arts (MA)

Department:

History

Committee Chair(s)

Norman Jones

Committee

Norman Jones

Committee

Richard Sherlock

Committee

Philip Barlow

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to provide insights into why John Chrysostom (349- 407 CE), who was the most prolific scriptural commentator in early, Eastern Christianity, understood the core theological concept of justification differently than Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560 CE), who was the first, and one of the most influential, theologians of the Protestant Reformation. Furthermore, because of their prominent positions within their respective faith movements, their perspectives reveal broader implications regarding how Christians within their respective periods and geographical locations were interpreting Christian scripture, and how the ideological currents were influencing their interpretations.

By understanding what led Chrysostom and Melanchthon to their irreconcilable interpretations of the theological concept of justification, modern historians, theologians, and Christians in general will be better equipped to understand the history and ideas that differentiate Protestant Christianity from Eastern Christian traditions. Such an understanding will promote and support productive, reasonable dialogue in an era often plagued by irrational, passionate religious and theological disputes.

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Included in

History Commons

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