The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology (Theology and Life Series 21) (Volume 21) Paperback – January 1, 1988

I enjoyed this theological history enormously. The formulations and reasoning of the various factions, both heterodox and orthodox, require a fair bit of concentration from non-expert readers. I only discovered the useful glossary at the end of the book after finishing the main text. It would be much preferable to place it at the beginning. One thing I found revealing was that, far from settling theological (largely Christological) disputes once and for all - as some of us naively assumed, in almost every case, the very heresy just condemned by the Ecumenical Council in question took on a new vigour and ferocity. Another recurring feature is the sometimes helpful but usually baneful interference of the Roman Emperors in matters theological and ecclesial. With a few honorable exceptions, successive Patriarchs of Constantinople were unable or unwilling to thwart their monarch’s heretical follies.

If you want to get up to date on the first seven ecumenical councils this is the book to get. Great reference for my library.

I gave it 4 stars for the book format. It should be updated for ease of read.

When you are studying the history of the christian faith you face that the History of the Councils is but very few pages. The truth is that the Ecumenical Councils had positive and negative results in the history of Christianity. The definition of the two natures in Christ was reached in Council. The Divity of Christ was defended in Council. The three Divine Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit weas defined in Councils. Even the old differences detween believers and the jewish sinagogue can be understood better by reading some of the definitions of the first seven Ecumenical Councils. This book is a valuable tool for Seminarians, Pastors, Teachers, Sunday School teachers, Evangelists. If you do not understand the past, how do you think are going to understand the present and the future of the Church of the Lord.

Helpful, read introducing the first seven ecumenical councils. Light on editorialism heavy on balanced scholarship.

Wow. This is a must read for anyone interested in the early church - the theological issues of the day, the disagreements, the heresies, and the how the Church leaders resolved the disputes. The theological issues can get complex and difficult to understand, so the book is not always the easiest to read. Also, the book shows the human side of the members of the Church as well. Great read.

Very good condition.

I read this work as part of an adult education program at a former parish. I got a great deal of insight about my faith through the book along deep discussion. There are many dates and names so be prepared for it. I felt that that these details took away some of the doctrinal aspects of the book.