Three Wise Men from the East: The Cappadocian Fathers and the Struggle for Orthodoxy

by Patrick Whitworth, Rowan Williams (Foreword)

Includes a forward by Rowan Williams.

The Cappadocian fathers of the fourth century—Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory Nazianzen—produced thoughts on the Trinity, the creation, the incarnation, the holistic reading of scripture and the discipline of the soul which are playing a more seminal role in Christian theology today that at any time in the last four hundred years. Too often, however, their teachings are appropriated in a piecemeal manner, with no acknowledgement of their mutual interdependence.

In this comprehensive introduction to their writings, Patrick Whitworth enables the modern reader to share their understanding of the purpose and scope of theology. At the same time, he brings before us three strong personalities, who, like the rest of us, were children of time and place, taking up the pen to address a particular audience on particular occasions. Stripping out the ruling ideas from the polemical or rhetorical dress in which they have come down to us, he shows that the insights of genius lose nothing by being translated from the exquisite opacity of the original Greek into plain but accurate English prose.
— Professor Mark Edwards, Christ Church Oxford.

"Wonderfully comprehensive and clear. We are able to see the Cappadocians not as counters in the board game of controversy but as complex human figures wrestling with the challenges of internal and external crises for the Church. This will be a really welcome tool for all students of early Christianity, and excellent and accessible reading for anyone who wants to understand better the formative period of Christian teaching. It is a message that the Church of our own time should take very seriously."
— Rowan Williams (from the foreword), Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, and former Archbishop of Canterbury

About the Author
Patrick Whitworth read Modern History at Christ Church Oxford, and a Theology MA in Reformation Studies under T. H. L. Parker at Durham. He has spent over 30 years in Anglican Ministry, currently Rector of All Saints Weston Bath, Langridge and North Stoke. He is married to Olivia with four grown up children.

Genres: Christianity, Theology, History, Church History

254 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2015

Reviews

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a comprehensive and well-written introduction to the Cappadocian Fathers which will prove illuminating for anyone exploring these fascinating fourth century theologians for the first time. Patrick Whitworth gives a very readable account of their lives, the key planks of their theology and attitudes towards the social and ecclesiological issues of the time. A helpful chapter at the end explores their controversial relationship with neo-Platonism and asks whether Gregory of Nyssa in particular is a Christian Platonist or a Platonist Christian.

As with the previous volume in the series, the author has been let down by poor editing - there are some absurd typos that you just don't see with other publishers.

[Joshua Pritchard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am very much interested in learning more about the Cappadocian Fathers and I sense this book is full of important information regarding them. However, it is presented in a way that is disorganized and difficult to follow. I believe the author to be caught between the valid urge to set the context to the theological discussion and to refrain from telling the story of the Cappadocians in a simplistic “Basil was born on” fashion. In the attempt to avoid this, neither is all that clear. Additionally, I am hopeful that the uncommon number of typos is a Kindle version exclusive, I find it hard to believe so many made it into a print version. There is good information to be had here but it is frustratingly organized and presented.

[Brodie Mcgregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to the lives of Bail, Gregory, and Gregory. For those new to the theological controversies of this period, Whitworth provides an accessible introduction. What I particularly enjoyed about the book, apart from reading it while on holiday in Cappadocia, were the biographical and character insights.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not terrible not great. Probably better for an absolute beginner but for someone familiar with a lot of the Christological background it didn’t add much. Plus, it’s very, very repetitive. And a little disorganized. And there are a ton of spelling errors and typos.

[G. Mark James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content wise it is a fascinating read and story. However, the author can repeat sections or stories from time to time.
The editing (or lack thereof) was infuriating. There are typos galore, misuse of there/their, words that need to be removed, etc.

[Carson Harraman · Rating 3 out of 5]

so many spelling and grammatical mistakes. Like hello? did you edit this?

good theology

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not an expert on Christian history. This book gave great insight into some of the basics of religion we take for granted, such as the Trinity being God and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It covers three men during the 300's and their influence on the thinking of the time. The most amazing item I learned from this book is that Basil of Caesarea, as a Christian, established a place for the poor and dying and is still respected for this in an area of mainly Islamic faith. Respect across religious boundaries is much needed in our times! These three men seemed at the beginning of the foundation of all Christian faith. While discussing the Three in One belief with my husband, he stated that it is a simple concept. For us, so many centuries later, it is a simple concept with which we were raised. In the beginning of the Church, it was a new idea, a mingling of one God and a paganistic view of three gods. I enjoyed the book and will pass it on to others interested in adding to their knowledge of Christian history. Thank-you for the free book which I won from Goodreads! Without that, I probably would not have picked it up and broadened my knowledge!

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and accessible way-in to three of the most influential thinkers / doers in church history.

The contributions of Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory Nazianzus to the formulation of an orthodox understanding of the Trinity remain foundational.

Whitworth's book does a fine job of summarising the development of their contribution to this crucial doctrinal issue, while also featuring their considerable work as monk-bishops in teaching, caring for the poor and teaching on a wide range of subjects pertaining to Christian thought and discipleship. Finally, we are given insight in to their inner lives of devotion, prayer and contemplation.

A book that I will return to for fresh inspiration and instruction.

[Shaaer]

I have received this book as part of goodreads giveaway program. Thanks to Richard