Making Christian History: Eusebius of Caesarea and His Readers

Eusebius, the "Father of Church History," wrote Ecclesiastical History, chronicling Christianity's development from Judaism to tolerance under Emperor Constantine. Michael J. Hollerich recovers its reception across time, adapting classical historical writing for the Christians with a distinctive theo-political vision. Eusebius' text influenced Christian historical writing until encountering modern historicism and postmodernism, demonstrating his vast influence throughout history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

Eusebius, the renowned "Father of Church History," held the position of bishop of Caesarea in Palestine and was widely regarded as the foremost Christian scholar of his era. His monumental work, known as the Ecclesiastical History, stands as an invaluable chronicle of Christianity's early development, spanning from its roots in Judaism to two and a half centuries of illegality and sporadic persecution, culminating in a new era of tolerance and favor under Emperor Constantine. In his book, Michael J. Hollerich delves into the reception of Eusebius's text across different periods. As Hollerich reveals, Eusebius adapted classical historical writing to cater to the unique needs and aspirations of the Christian community, imbuing it with a distinctive theo-political vision.

Eusebius's text exerted a profound influence on Christian historical writing from late antiquity to the early modern period, transcending linguistic, cultural, political, and religious boundaries. It endured until its encounter with modern historicism and postmodernism. Making Christian History showcases Eusebius's immense historical impact, not only in shaping Christian culture but also in the light of its reevaluation, reform, and resistance over the past 1,700 years.

Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History stands as a testament to his profound scholarship and dedication to preserving the historical record of Christianity. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, he provided a comprehensive account of the church's growth and development, shedding light on the complex interplay between religion, politics, and society in the ancient world. His work not only shaped the understanding of Christian history but also had a lasting impact on the development of historical writing and scholarship in general.

In conclusion, Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History is a cornerstone of Christian historical literature, and its reception across time highlights the enduring influence of his work. Through his adaptation of classical historical writing and his unique theo-political vision, Eusebius laid the foundation for the study of Christian history and contributed to the broader understanding of religion and society in the ancient world. His legacy continues to inspire scholars and researchers today, and his text remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking to explore the origins and development of Christianity.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520295360