Symbols of Church and Kingdom: a Study in Early Syriac Tradition: A Study in Early Syriac Tradition

A new edition of the study of Syriac Christianity up to the early fifth century CE, its beliefs and worship, its life and art. In this classic work, Robert Murray offers the fullest and most vivid picture yet available of the development and character of the culture, illustrating both its original close relationship to Judaism and its remoter background in Mesopotamian civilization. He is interested in the subsequent influence of Syriac Christian culture, particularly on European literature. The largely revised introduction (now assisted by a sketch map) locates Syriac as an Aramaic dialect, then traces the origins of Syriac Christianity, its relationship to Jewish Christianity and the Syriac Bible version, the character of Syriac asceticism (including Marcionism and Manichaeism), and of the Christian schools. Key Syriac terms are explained, and all citation of Syriac texts throughout the work are given in translation either by other scholars or by the author. The second part of the introduction reviews the literature studied in the following chapters, concentrating on Aphrahat and Ephrem. In both parts, a number of positions adopted in the first edition are revised in the light of recent studies, the bibliographical details of which are given in the greatly increased number of footnotes. This book deals with a topic of interdisciplinary importance, at the cultural crossroads of the ancient and medieval worlds of east and west, and of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It will be of interest to a wide range of scholars and students.
A new edition of the study of Syriac Christianity up to the early fifth century CE: its beliefs and worship; its life and art.

In this classic work, Robert Murray offers the fullest and most vivid picture yet available of the development and character of the culture, illustrating both its original close relationship to Judaism and its remoter background in Mesopotamian civilization. He is interested in the subsequent influence of Syriac Christian culture, particularly on European literature.

The largely revised Introduction (now assisted by a sketch map) locates Syriac as an Aramaic dialect, then traces the origins of Syriac Christianity, its relationship to Jewish Christianity and the Syriac Bible version, the character of Syriac asceticism (including Marcionism and Manichaeism), and of the Christian schools. Key Syriac terms are explained, and all citation of Syriac texts throughout the work are given in translation either by other scholars or by the author.

The second part of the introduction reviews the literature studied in the following chapters, concentrating on Aphrahat and Ephrem. In both parts, a number of positions adopted in the first edition are revised in the light of recent studies, the bibliographical details of which are given in the greatly increased number of footnotes.

This book deals with a topic of interdisciplinary importance, at the cultural crossroads of the ancient and medieval worlds of east and west, and of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It will be of interest to a wide range of scholars and students.

Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 9 Preface to the Second Edition......Page 10 Method of Citation and Transliteration......Page 12 Abbreviations......Page 14 The Homelands of Aramaic and Syriac Culture......Page 17 Introduction......Page 18 PART I: THEMES OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH......Page 56 I: 'The Nation and the Nations'......Page 58 II: The Body of Christ......Page 86 III: The Vineyard, the Grape and the Tree of Life......Page 112 IV: The Church, Bride and Mother......Page 148 V: Titles shared by Christ and the Apostles or Bishops......Page 176 VI: The Rock and the House on the Rock......Page 222 VII: The 'Pilgrim Church' and its Fulfilment......Page 256 PART II: INSEARCH OF THE SOURCES......Page 294 Appendix......Page 366 Bibliography......Page 381 Old Testament......Page 394 New Testament......Page 395 Oriental Literature......Page 397 H......Page 402 T......Page 403 Foreign Words......Page 404 C......Page 406 K......Page 407 P......Page 408 A......Page 409 K......Page 410 T......Page 411 Z......Page 412 In This Revised And Updated Edition Of His Classic Work, Robert Murray Offers The Fullest And Most Vivid Picture Yet Available Of The Development And Character Of Early Syriac Christian Culture, Illustrating Both Its Original Close Relationship To Judaism And Its Remoter Background In Mesopotamian Civilization. This Book Deals With A Topic Of Interdisciplinary Importance, At The Cultural Crossroads Of The Ancient And Medieval Worlds Of East And West, And Of Christianity, Judaism, And Islam. It Will Be Of Interest To A Correspondingly Wide Range Of Scholars And Students. No Knowledge Of Syriac Is Assumed. (back Cover). Robert Murray. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 364-376) And Indexes. In this revised and updated edition of his classic work, Robert Murray presents the fullest and most vivid picture yet available of the development and character of the culture, illustrating both its original close relationship to Judaism and its remoter background in Mesopotamian civilization. This book deals with a topic of interdisciplinary importance at the ultural crossroads of the ancient and medieval worlds of east and west, and of Christianity, Judiasm and Islam. It will be of interest to a correspondingly wide range of scholars and students. No knowledge of Syriac is assumed. --provided by publisher A study of Syriac Christianity up to the early fifth century CE, its beliefs and worship, its life and art. This book offers a vivid picture of the development and character of the culture, illustrating both its original close relationship to Judaism and its remoter background in Mesopotamian civilization.