The Cult of Cicero: Classical Influence on the Latin Fathers
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Authors
Boggs, Joshua J.
Issue Date
2007
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The theme of this work is the interaction and cooperation between two cultures
during a period of transition in Western society. Few scholars would question the value
of understanding the subtle and uncertain transfer of learning between Christian and
Pagan in Late Antiquity. Indeed, many of the choices made during that era have greatly
influenced the course of medieval society and the extent of our modern classical heritage.
My own interest in Cicero stemmed from the interesting contradictions of his
popularity. The contrast between this incredibly worldly character and the Christian
monastic communities which preserved the majority of his works, including political
speeches and private letters, for over a thousand years suggested that Cicero held some
sort of unrecognized appeal to the Christian thinker.
Ultimately, my findings were much more complex than I could have foreseen; a
credit both to the flexibility and resourcefulness of Late Antique Christians and to the
range of Cicero's own work. Much remains to be done on the subject of Cicero's
relationship with early Christians. By all rights, this should only constitute a beginning.
Description
iii, 110 p.
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License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.