Monasticism in The Books Store

Here, Joseph T. Lienhard, S.J., studies the so-called Arian controversy of the fourth century from one well-defined angle: Marcellus and his influence. The book shows that Marcellus, far from being isolated, was part of a larger theological tendency. Among those who sympathized with him were Athanasius of Alexandria, much of the western church, and bishops in Asia Minor and Egypt.

Lienhard begins by studying Marcellus's life and the history of modern scholarship on Marcellus. He then examines the Arian controversy in terms of two theological systems in conflict, called "miahypostatic theology" and "dyohypostatic theology," depending on whether a system held that God is best called one hypostasis or two. Lienhard provides a complete analysis of Marcellus's theology, using only the certainly authentic works of his that survive, and traces the reactions to his teaching-from those who remained sympathetic to him, to those who rejected his theology outright, and finally to those who partially accepted his theses.

Her spiritual adventures included the Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church, Alcoholics Anonymous, and her attempt to become a lay associate of the Franciscans. But the Franciscans sent her away. "Run, don’t walk, to the abbey up the hill," they advised her. And so she did, heading to the Benedictine abbey she was pointed to. Much to her surprise, there she found the home she’d been seeking for so long.