Chronicle Of Seert Christian Historical Imagination In Late Antique Iraq, The
Book Description
This scholarly exploration invites readers into the rich spiritual landscape of early Christian Iraq through the lens of a remarkable medieval Arabic text, the Chronicle of Seert. Philip Wood guides us through centuries of Christian experience in ancient Mesopotamia, revealing how communities preserved and reshaped their sacred stories between 400 and 800 CE.
The chronicle serves as more than a historical record. It becomes a mirror reflecting how Christian communities understood themselves as inheritors of martyrs' courage while navigating complex relationships with Persian rulers. Wood demonstrates how these believers used their past as a source of unity, drawing scattered communities together through shared narratives of faith and perseverance.
The book illuminates the tensions that shaped spiritual identity in this pivotal era. Christians in Iraq looked westward to the Roman Empire, seeing both inspiration in Christian governance and concern over theological differences that threatened their traditions. Meanwhile, they balanced competing loyalties between local leaders and distant authorities, between clergy and laypeople, between established centers and emerging communities.
Through careful analysis of the chronicle's multiple layers, Wood reveals how these ancient Christians wrestled with questions that remain relevant today. How do we maintain authentic spiritual identity while engaging with secular power? How do we honor our heritage while adapting to changing circumstances? This work offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand how faith communities navigate challenge and change across generations.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 305 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore The Early Church
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Iraq, social life and customs
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Church of the East
- ✓ Explore Middle Eastern history
- ✓ Explore Chronique de Séert
- ✓ Explore Historiography
