The Indiculus luminosus of Paul Alvarus

Paul Alvarus wrote the Indiculus luminosus in 854 in response to the executions of Córdoban Christians, defending their militant actions and arguing that Muhammad was a precursor to Antichrist. He relied on Jeromes Commentary on Daniel and Gregorys Moralia in Iob but offered a novel exegesis, shedding light on Christian life under Islamic rule and demonstrating deep knowledge of Islam.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Paul Alvarus penned the "Indiculus luminosus" in 854, in response to the executions of several Córdoban Christians, notably the monk Isaac in 851, who had publicly denounced Muhammad. The first half of the treatise presents an extensive apologia in defense of the militant actions of these spontaneous blasphemers. In the second half, Alvarus argues extensively, drawing upon key passages in Daniel and Job, that Muhammad was a precursor to the Antichrist. Alvarus embarked on this exegetical project not only to provide a context for understanding the actions of the Córdoban blasphemers but also to criticize the Córdoban Christian leadership for being too close to the local Islamic rulers. While Alvarus relied on Jerome's Commentary on Daniel and Gregory's Moralia in Iob, he surpassed them, offering a truly novel exegesis. In the process, he shed valuable light on the nature of Christian life under Islamic rule and demonstrated a surprising depth of knowledge of Islam. The "Indiculus luminosus" serves as a complementary piece to the writings of his friend, Eulogius, who may have encouraged Alvarus to undertake this task.

Dimension: 210 x 147 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802078626