The Narrative Shape of Emotion in the Preaching of John Chrysostom

Description

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. Cover The Narrative Shape of Emotion in the Preaching of John Chrysostom Title Copyright Dedication CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction. The Narrative Shape of Emotion Chrysostom’s Program Plan of the Study 1. Anger The Origin of Rage Quelling Anger Anger’s Imperative Conclusion Inscribing the Lesson: David and Saul 2. Grief The Sadness of Things Envy, Malice, and Indignation Grieving over the Dead, the Sick, and the Barren Lamenting Personal Debility Mourning Sin Conclusion A Case Study in Surmounting Sadness: Job 3. Fear The Disciplinary Force of Fear Fear as a Bridle Fear as a Goad The Social Benefits of Fear Fear as a Deliberative State Conclusion The Advantages of Fear: Cain 4. Chrysostom’s Goal: Stimulating Zeal Rhathymia Arousing Aversion Awe Shame Disgust Inspiring Emulation Conclusion Imitating Zeal: The Samaritan Woman Conclusion Bibliography Index