The Dyophysite Christology of Cyril of Alexandria

Vigiliae Christianae, Supplements

by Hans van Loon

Based on a systematic investigation of Cyril of Alexandria’s christological writings, this book claims that his christology is basically dyophysite, and that the formula ‘one incarnate nature of the Word of God’ is of minor importance to him.

Genres: Theology

632 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2009

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very difficult to get through. Provides some interesting information for those willing to sift through the Roman Catholic tip-toe language. The author tip-toes around concepts in St Cyril's works like the essence-energy distinction. Not only that, but theres a bit of long-winded higher critical talk that can be frustrating at times. On the good side, if you know what to look for and how to translate what he is saying into orthodox terms, this book provides some insights into the nuances and complexity of Cyrils doctines and how they can be accepted as consistent with St Leo's at Chalcedon.

[Nick Hay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a dry read. He lays out in really clear terms Cyril's thought on this topic. One crucial area that I felt was left unexplored was the relationship between division and enumeration in Cyril's thought. By not exploring this, some of the most critical questions that the author is seeking to answer are left really untouched.

Other than that, a helpful definition of the terms in idea in the Christological conversation.