Selected Discourses of Shenoute the Great
Community, Theology, and Social Conflict in Late Antique Egypt

English translations of the major works of Shenoute the Great (c.347–465), a foundational and controversial figure in Egyptian Christianity.

David Brakke (Edited and translated by), Andrew Crislip (Edited and translated by)

9781107022560, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 December 2015

338 pages, 7 b/w illus. 2 maps
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.1 cm, 0.69 kg

'The book includes footnotes, a valuable bibliography, and a useful index of names, subjects, maps, and figures. Brakke and Crislip's book is a modern and accurate translation of Shenoute's Discourses, so that it is an important contribution in the spirituality of Shenoute and his form of monasticism. Meticulously researched, this competent book provides a starting point for new investigations of the role of Shenoute in the history of Egyptian asceticism. Undoubtedly, Selected Discourses of Shenoute the Great will become a significant landmark for researchers in the field.' Daniel Lemeni, Tealogia

Shenoute the Great (c.347–465) led one of the largest Christian monastic communities in late antique Egypt and was the greatest native writer of Coptic in history. For approximately eight decades, Shenoute led a federation of three monasteries and emerged as a Christian leader. His public sermons attracted crowds of clergy, monks, and lay people; he advised military and government officials; he worked to ensure that his followers would be faithful to orthodox Christian teaching; and he vigorously and violently opposed paganism and the oppressive treatment of the poor by the rich. This volume presents in translation a selection of his sermons and other orations. These works grant us access to the theology, rhetoric, moral teachings, spirituality, and social agenda of a powerful Christian leader during a period of great religious and social change in the later Roman Empire.

Shenoute's life, times, and Discourses
Part I. Heretics and Other Enemies of the Church: 1. And it happened one day
2. As I sat on a mountain
3. I am amazed
Part II. Shenoute as Pastor and Preacher: 4. I see your eagerness
5. Some kinds of people sift dirt and Whoever seeks God will find
6. The idolatrous pagans, or And we will reveal something else
7. And let us also reprove
8. I answered
9. And after a few days
10. See how clearly revealed is the foolishness of pitiless people
11. Truly when I think
12. A priest will never cease
13. When the Word says
Part III. The Christian's Struggle with Satan: 14. In the night
15. Because of you too, O Prince of Evil
16. A beloved asked me years ago
17. As we began to preach
Part IV. The Conflict with Gesios: 18. Not because a fox barks
19. Let our eyes (translated by Stephen Emmel)
20. A26
21. God says through those who are His
22. God is blessed.

Subject Areas: Christian communities & monasticism [HRCX8], Christian sermons [HRCP], Orthodox & Oriental Churches [HRCC8], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1]