Homilies as Tools for Teaching Theology

Abstract

This chapter analyzes how Jacob of Serugh communicates Christology within the poetic restraints and oral context of his homilies. He preached his Homily on the Faith in an educational setting and emphasized a correct understanding of Christology. Three known phrases from the Christological controversies reveal the subtle ways that he weaves miaphysite Christology into his homilies. He quotes a phrase attributed to Nestorios of Constantinople in order to liken his opponents to the defamed archbishop. He draws on an even earlier phrase from the fourth-century Trinitarian controversies in accusing his opponents of worshipping a human. Finally, he uses the pairing of miracles and sufferings to criticize the Christology of his opponents and to promote his own views on Christology. Jacob’s transformation of these three phrases reveals how he modifies his expression of Christology to teach his theological perspective within the poetic and stylistic expectations of metrical homilies.