Crisis of empire
Book Description
During one of history's most turbulent periods, as the mighty Eastern Roman Empire faced devastating challenges from Persian and Islamic forces, three remarkable spiritual thinkers embarked on a profound quest to redefine the Church's role and authority. Phil Booth illuminates the extraordinary intellectual journey of John Moschos, Sophronius of Jerusalem, and Maximus the Confessor, seventh-century Palestinian ascetics who grappled with fundamental questions about faith, power, and religious identity during an era of unprecedented crisis.
These visionary figures confronted deep-seated tensions between ascetic spirituality and institutional Church authority, crafting innovative theological frameworks that would reshape religious thought for centuries. Their bold intellectual synthesis positioned them as fierce critics of Constantinople's religious policies and forged unexpected alliances with Roman papal authority, ultimately leading to their radical stance against imperial control over matters of faith.
Booth traces how these three men's spiritual and intellectual struggles reflected nothing less than a complete transformation in how an entire religious society understood itself. Their legacy extends far beyond their historical moment, establishing foundational principles for Byzantine Orthodoxy that continue to influence Greek and Eastern European churches today.
This scholarly exploration offers readers insight into how spiritual leaders navigate institutional power, maintain authentic faith during social upheaval, and create lasting theological innovations that transcend their immediate circumstances.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~11 hours)
📄 Length: 393 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore HISTORY
- ✓ Explore Staat
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Ostkirche
- ✓ Explore Ancient
- ✓ Explore Politische Krise
- ✓ Explore General
- ✓ Explore Christianity
