Homilies John Chrysostom

1 homilies

1.1 paschal homily
1.2 general
1.3 homilies against jews , judaizing christians
1.4 homily against homosexuality

homilies
paschal homily

the byzantine emperor nicephorus iii receives book of homilies john chrysostom, archangel michael stands on left (11th-century illuminated manuscript).

the best known of many homilies, paschal homily (hieratikon), rather brief. in eastern orthodox church traditionally read in full each year @ paschal divine liturgy (eucharistic) service following midnight orthros (or matins).

general

chrysostom s extant homiletical works vast, including many hundreds of exegetical homilies on both new testament (especially works of saint paul) , old testament (particularly on genesis). among extant exegetical works sixty-seven homilies on genesis, fifty-nine on psalms, ninety on gospel of matthew, eighty-eight on gospel of john, , fifty-five on acts of apostles.

the homilies written down stenographers , subsequently circulated, revealing style tended direct , personal, formed rhetorical conventions of time , place. in general, homiletical theology displays characteristic of antiochian school (i.e., more literal in interpreting biblical events), uses deal of allegorical interpretation more associated alexandrian school.

john s social , religious world formed continuing , pervasive presence of paganism in life of city. 1 of regular topics paganism in culture of constantinople, , in homilies thunders against popular pagan amusements: theatre, horseraces, , revelry surrounding holidays. in particular, criticizes christians taking part in such activities:

if ask [christians] amos or obadiah, how many apostles there or prophets, stand mute; if ask them horses or drivers, answer more solemnity sophists or rhetors .

one of recurring features of john s homilies emphasis on care needy. echoing themes found in gospel of matthew, calls upon rich lay aside materialism in favor of helping poor, employing of rhetorical skills shame wealthy people abandon conspicuous consumption:

pay such honor excrements receive them silver chamber-pot when man made in image of god perishing in cold?

homilies against jews , judaizing christians

during first 2 years presbyter in antioch (386–387), john denounced jews , judaizing christians in series of 8 homilies delivered christians in congregation taking part in jewish festivals , other jewish observances. disputed whether main target judaizers or jews in general. homilies expressed in conventional manner, utilizing uncompromising rhetorical form known psogos (greek: blame, censure).

one of purposes of these homilies prevent christians participating in jewish customs, , prevent perceived erosion of chrysostom s flock. in homilies, john criticized judaizing christians , participating in jewish festivals , taking part in other jewish observances, such shabbat, submitted circumcision , made pilgrimage jewish holy places.

john claimed synagogues full of christians on shabbats , jewish festivals, of christian women, because loved solemnity of jewish liturgy , enjoyed listening shofar on rosh hashanah, , applauded famous preachers in accordance contemporary custom. more recent theory instead tried persuade jewish christians, centuries had kept connections jews , judaism, choose between judaism , christianity.

in greek homilies called kata ioudaiōn (Κατὰ Ιουδαίων), translated adversus judaeos in latin , against jews in english. original benedictine editor of homilies, bernard de montfaucon, gives following footnote title: discourse against jews; delivered against judaizing , keeping fasts them [the jews].

according patristics scholars, opposition particular view during late 4th century conventionally expressed in manner, utilizing rhetorical form known psogos, literary conventions vilify opponents in uncompromising manner; thus, has been argued call chrysostom anti-semite employ anachronistic terminology in way incongruous historical context , record. not preclude assertions chrysostom s theology form of anti-jewish supersessionism.

homily against homosexuality

chrysostom loathed homosexuality. notable discourse in regard fourth homily on romans 1:26–27, argues have sex same gender must because insane:

of these affections vile, chiefly mad lust after males; soul more sufferer in sins, , more dishonored body in diseases. ... [the men] have done insult nature itself. , yet more disgraceful thing these it, when women seek after these intercourses, ought have more shame men.

he describes homosexuality worst of sins, greater murder. asserts punishment found in hell such transgressors, , women can guilty of sin as men (although former disrupt patriarchal hierarchy through such act). chrysostom argues male passive partner has renounced manhood , become woman – such individual deserves driven out , stoned . chrysostom particularly influential in shaping christian thought same-sex desire evil resulted in social injustice – altering traditional interpretation of sodom place of inhospitality, 1 sexual transgressions of sodomites became paramount. allen describes sermon climax , consummation of homophobia in late classical world .