Enchantment and Creed in the Hymns of Ambrose of Milan

by Brian P Dunkle Sj

Enchantment and Creed in the Hymns of Ambrose of Milan offers the first critical overview of the hymns of Ambrose of Milan in the context of fourth-century doctrinal song and Ambrose's own catechetical preaching. Brian P. Dunkle, SJ, argues that these settings inform the interpretation of Ambrose's hymnodic project. The hymns employ sophisticated poetic techniques to foster a pro-Nicene sensitivity in the bishop's embattled congregation. After a summary presentation of early Christian hymnody, with special attention to Ambrose's Latin predecessors, Dunkle describes the mystagogical function of fourth-century songs. He examines Ambrose's sermons, especially his catechetical and mystagogical works, for preached parallels to this hymnodic effort. Close reading of Ambrose's hymnodic corpus constitutes the bulk of the study. Dunkle corroborates his findings through a treatment of early Ambrosian imitations, especially the poetry of Prudentius. These early readers amplify the hymnodic
features that Dunkle identifies as "enchanting," that is, enlightening the "eyes of faith."

278 pages, Hardcover

Published December 27, 2016

Reviews

[Barrie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. It made me rethink my views on natural theology. Not quite a game-changer, but close.