The Narrative Shape of Emotion in the Preaching of John Chrysostom - (Christianity in Late Antiquity) by Blake Leyerle (Hardcover)

About the Book

"John Chrysostom remains, along with Augustine, one of the most prolific witnesses to the world of late antiquity. As priest of Antioch and bishop of Constantinople, he earned his reputation as an extraordinary preacher. In this first unified study of the emotions in Chrysostom's writings, Blake Leyerle examines the fourth-century preacher's understanding of anger, grief, and fear. These difficult emotions, she argues, were central to Chrysostom's program of ethical formation and were taught primarily through narrative means. In recounting the tales of scripture, Chrysostom consistently draws attention to the emotional tenor of these stories, highlighting Biblical characters' moods, discussing their rational underpinnings, and tracing the outcomes of their reactions. By showing how assiduously Chrysostom aimed not only to allay but also to arouse strong feelings in his audiences so as to combat humanity's indifference and to inculcate zeal, Leyerle provides a fascinating portrait of late antiquity's foremost preacher"--

Book Synopsis

John Chrysostom remains, along with Augustine, one of the most prolific witnesses to the world of late antiquity. As priest of Antioch and bishop of Constantinople, he earned his reputation as an extraordinary preacher.

In this first unified study of emotions in Chrysostom's writings, Blake Leyerle examines the fourth-century preacher's understanding of anger, grief, and fear. These difficult emotions, she argues, were central to Chrysostom's program of ethical formation and were taught primarily through narrative means. In recounting the tales of scripture, Chrysostom consistently draws attention to the emotional tenor of these stories, highlighting biblical characters' moods, discussing their rational underpinnings, and tracing the outcomes of their reactions. By showing how assiduously Chrysostom aimed not only to allay but also to arouse strong feelings in his audiences to combat humanity's indifference and to inculcate zeal, Leyerle provides a fascinating portrait of late antiquity's foremost preacher.

From the Back Cover

"Blake Leyerle offers the first sustained treatment of the pedagogy of emotions by which John Chrysostom, one of late antiquity's most revered preachers, sought to craft his audiences' Christian habits. Nuanced, captivating, and accessible to experts and generalists alike, this book presents the reader with a scintillating glimpse into the emotional worlds that ancient Christians inhabited and the voices that shaped them."--Maria Doerfler, author of Jephthah's Daughter, Sarah's Son: The Death of Children in Late Antiquity

"In this rich and beautifully written book, Blake Leyerle conveys the rhetorical and psychological genius of John Chrysostom, a master storyteller and incomparable preacher. As she brilliantly demonstrates, Chrysostom brought to life biblical and other narratives to manage the anger, fears, sorrows, and shame of his audience in the service of Christianity."--David Konstan, Professor of Classics, New York University

Review Quotes

"Both scholars and practitioners would find this study useful. Scholars will appreciate Leyerle's examination of narrative, literary tropes, and word choice in Chrysostom's work. Preachers will benefit from a close examination of the dynamics of the preaching style and exegetical method."-- "Reading Religion"

"The present book is to be fully recommended to an academic audience of historians of late antiquity, theologians, and religious studies scholars, as well as to those who still uphold the educational value of uncomfortable situations."-- "ASDIWAL"

"Leyerle's analysis of Chrysostom's affective strategy, homiletic program, and philosophical antecedents yields profound insights. The book is a wonderful contribution to Chrysostomic studies and the history of emotions, showing how Christianity harnessed the power of narrative, rhetoric, and feeling to navigate the spiritual universe of the faithful in late antiquity."-- "Journal of Early Christian Studies"

"Leyerle's book represents a convincing and definitive analysis of Chrysostom's thought about the emotions, and of the practical application of emotional and cognitive strategies in his programme of moral reform.... Accessible and a pleasure to read!"

-- "Journal of Early Christian History"

"[This book] should be read by anyone interested in the history of the emotions, the power of storytelling, the history of biblical exegesis, the history of Christian spirituality, church history or the world of late antique Byzantium."-- "Classical Review"

About the Author

Blake Leyerle is Professor of Early Christianity in the Department of Theology and the Department of Classics at the University of Notre Dame.