Basil the Great: Faith, Mission and Diplomacy in the Shaping of Christian Doctrine [Hardcover]

Regarded as one of the three hierarchs or pillars of orthodoxy along with Gregory of Nazianzus and John Chrysostom, Basil is a key figure in the formative process of Christianity in the fourth century. While his role in establishing Trinitarian terminology, as well as his function in shaping monasticism, his social thought and even his contribution to the evolution of liturgical forms have been the focus of research for many years, there are few studies which centre on his political thought. Basil played a major role in the political and religious life between Cappadocia and Armenia and was a key figure in the tumultuous relationship between Church and State in Late Antiquity. He was a great religious leader and a gifted diplomat, and developed a special relationship with Emperor Valens and other high imperial officials.

Part 1. Saint Basil and Emperor Valens: Dignity versus Authority  1. Saint Basil, Emperor Valens and Christianity in Cappadocia  2. Saint Basil and the History of His Royal Meeting (s): Two Authorities in Confrontation  Part 2. Saints Basil and Nerses, and Armenia: Mission and Church Diplomacy  3. Saint Nerses the Great, Armenia and His Blessed Mission  4. Saint Basil the Great and His Mission in Armenia  Part 3. Saint Basil and The Art of Diplomacy: Meetings, Methods and Correspondence  5. Saint Basils Church Missionary Strategy and Society  6. Mission and Counter Mission in Saint Basils Correspondence  7. Saints Basil and Athanasius, Epistles and the Unity of the Church  Part 4. Saint Basil the Great as Model for a Christian Opinion Leader: Dignity, Humility and Culture  8. Christ, Religious Leader and Communities  9. Saint Basil and his Diplomacy towards the Greek Culture  10. The Art and the Value of Teaching the Ful³½