An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith (Summarized Edition)
Enriched edition. An 8th-Century Systematic Theology of the Early Church: Trinitarian and Christological Debates
Published on 3. April 2026
130 pages
8596547893073 (EAN)
Available for download
Description
An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, the third part of John's Fount of Knowledge, is the earliest systematic summa of Greek patristic doctrine. In crisp chapters it treats God and the Trinity, creation and providence, angels and humanity, the Incarnation with two natures and wills, sacraments, Scripture and tradition, veneration of saints and images, and last things. Drawing Aristotelian distinctions through a catena of Fathers, it consolidates the conciliar settlement amid Iconoclasm. John of Damascus (c. 675-749) was a Damascene Christian official under the Umayyads who became a monk at Mar Saba near Jerusalem. Trained in logic (the Dialectica) and steeped in liturgy and hymnody, he wrote to safeguard orthodox teaching after the councils and to answer Christological errors and the iconoclast controversy. Students of patristics, historical theology, and philosophy will find here a lucid map of early Christian dogma, faithful to sources yet remarkably concise. Read it with the conciliar definitions it distills, and let its measured arguments guide catechesis, ecumenical conversation, and contemplative practice within the living tradition of the Church.
Quickie Classics summarizes timeless works with precision, preserving the author's voice and keeping the prose clear, fast, and readable-distilled, never diluted. Enriched Edition extras: Introduction · Synopsis · Historical Context · Brief Analysis · 4 Reflection Q&As · Editorial Footnotes.
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John of Damascus, also known as St. John Damascene, was a prominent theologian and polymath of the early 8th century, revered in both Eastern Orthodoxy and the Western Church. Born into a wealthy Christian family in Damascus circa 676-749 AD, under the rule of the Umayyad Caliphate, he received a diverse education that incorporated both Islamic and Christian scholarship. Before devoting his life to theological work, John served as a chief counselor to the caliph. His voluntary departure from a life of political prestige to enter the monastery of St. Sabbas near Jerusalem marked the beginning of his influential ecclesiastical career. John of Damascus is best remembered for 'An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith' (¿¿d¿s¿¿ ¿¿¿¿ß¿¿ t¿¿ ¿¿¿¿d¿¿¿¿ p¿ste¿¿), a comprehensive summation of the Christian faith and a cornerstone of Eastern Orthodox theological literature. In this work, he presents a methodical and thorough discourse on the doctrinal teachings of Christianity, synthesizing Holy Scripture, Patristic teachings, and philosophical thought of the time. His defense of the veneration of icons against the backdrop of the Iconoclastic controversy is particularly noteworthy. The literary style of John of Damascus combines rigorous argumentation with eloquence, reflecting his wide-ranging intellectual background. His writings have had a substantial impact on the development of Christian dogma and continue to be studied for their theological depth and clarity. In recognition of his contributions, he has been granted the honors of Doctor of the Church in Roman Catholicism and Saint with a feast day on December 4th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
