The Westminster Handbook to Patristic Theology; (Fr John A McGuckin)

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Title: The Westminster Handbook to Patristic Theology
Author: John Anthony McGuckin
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville-London, 2004
ISBN-13: 978-0-664-22396-0
ISBN-10: 0-664-22396-6
Pages: 367
Price: (US$) 39.95
Links: St. Vladimir's (http://www.svspress.com/product_info.php?products_id=3434); Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Westminster-Handbook-Patristic-Handbooks-Christian/dp/0664223966)
Description: A descriptive handbook in encyclopedic form of individual Fathers, of individual themes in theology, and also of major themes in piety from the ancient Church through the 8th century.
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[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

For many years a basic handbook on the Fathers and their theology has been needed and this book goes very far to meeting this need.

Arranged in encyclopedic form from A to Z each major Father from the ancient Church through the 8th century is dealt with. Also are sections (more like short articles) on major themes in theology as well as on piety.

The major attraction of this book is definitely Fr John McGuckin's gift for concisely describing the major issues involved. He also clears up several errors often seen in 20th century texts devoted to the interpretation of theology. His presentation is academically careful but also he is able to 'think outside of the box', clearly informed within the Mind of the Church.

All in all this volume would be very helpful for those seeking to clarify a basic framework of knowledge for understanding the Fathers.