Fear of God and the Beginning of Wisdom: The School of Nisibis and the Development of Scholastic Culture in Late Antique Mesopotamia. By ADAM H. BECKER.
2007; Oxford University Press; Volume: 58; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1093/jts/flm086
ISSN1477-4607
Autores Tópico(s)Biblical Studies and Interpretation
ResumoAdam H. Becker has written a useful and interesting book. Its theme is primarily the ‘school of Nisibis’ founded in the reign of Zeno on the closure in Edessa of the ‘school of the Persians’, with which it had some sort of relationship. The significance of that relationship and the meaning of ‘school’ have been misinterpreted (so Dr Becker convincingly argues) in modern research, which has failed to take into account the mythopoeic character of the ancient accounts of the ‘school's’ origin and history and has speculated illegitimately on their basis; the record is here set straight. The canons (as it were ‘house rules’) of the institution are extant but say little about its formal curriculum or the careers envisaged by those who passed through it. An introductory address, perhaps at the beginning of the school year, The cause of the foundation of the schools, is discussed in detail for the light it throws on the educational philosophy presupposed. The preponderant influence of Theodore of Mopsuestia, ‘the Interpreter’, is well brought out here and elsewhere. The contrasting ideals of ‘school’ and ‘monastery’ (the monks at one time objected to having a ‘school’ on the same site as the monastery thrust on them and threatened to decamp) are examined. Dr Becker broadens the scope to discuss other educational ventures of the East Syrian Church. The development of the theme is hampered by the lack of evidence, particularly from comparable institutions, as the author notes several times. He does well to report reliably and explain convincingly such evidence as exists.
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