Resources for the Jovinian Controversy | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Resources for the Jovinian Controversy

101
Resources for the Jovinian Controversy

A couple of weeks ago, I said that I would be redirecting my focus from the Origenist Controversy to the Jovinian Controversy. And by that I don’t mean an explicit break from what we’ve learned from Origen, Epiphanius, Theophilus, Evagrius, Rufinus or Jerome. Rather, I am changing emphases, in such a way that will not only bring greater light to even the Origenist Controversy (for we are not so soon leaving Palestine and the Bethlehem Monastery), and then to the Jerome’s later controversy with Pelagius.

For the remarkable thing about the Jovinian Controversy, which makes it pertinent to our purposes, is that from it, the English, wrestler-like ascetic Pelagius emerges as a critic of Jerome’s Against Jovinianus. And so, this controversy is invaluable if one wishes to understand Jerome’s later anti-pelagian polemics, as well as Pelagius’ theology. Furthermore, Augustine is prompted to begin his first treatises in support of marriage and virginity, which would lead him on the trajectory of an unavoidable collision with Jerome’s English critic.

In the following posts, I will attempt to delve into the Jovinian Controversy by examining the players, the politics, the social-networks, and the theology involved therein. I will make much use of David G. Hunter’s Marriage, Celibacy, and Heresy in Ancient Christianity: The Jovinianist Controversy, the most comprehensive book on the subject in the English language, as well as the similarly scholarly books, The Making of a Christian Aristocracy: Social and Religious Change in the Western Roman Empire by Michele Salzman, Jerome: His Life, Writings, and Controversies by J.N.D. Kelly, and The Body and Society: Men, Women, and Sexual Renunciation in Early Christianity by Peter Brown. For primary texts, I will be utilizing the letters and treatises of Jerome as found in the Nicene and Post Nicene Fathers series, vol. 6, which have been skillfully translated into English by the Hon. W.H. Fremantle, M.A. The writings of Augustine I will be using have come from the first series of The Works of Saint Augustine: A Translation for the 21st Century, and, finally, an English translation of Pelagius’ letters on virginity and to certain virgins can be found in B.R. Rees’ prestigious volume, Pelagius: Life and Letters (as well as a catalogue of his writings in Quastens’ Patrology, volume IV). This list of sources would also remain incomplete if I did not once more mention the formative role Robert F. Evans’ research has played in my investigation of these topics, especially his insightful little book, Pelagius: Inquiries and Reappraisals.

So, then, on to Jerome, Jovinian, and the Jovinian Controversy.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23526
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9828
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7117
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments