Against Jovinianus

Jovinianus, about whom little more is known than what is to be found in Jerome's treatise, published a Latin treatise outlining several opinions: That a virgin is no better, as such, than a wife in the sight of God. Abstinence from food is no better than a thankful partaking of food. A person baptized with the Spirit as well as with water cannot sin. All sins are equal. There is but one grade of punishment and one of reward in the future state. In addition to this, he held the birth of Jesus Christ to have been by a "true parturition," and was thus refuting the orthodoxy of the time, according to which, the infant Jesus passed through the walls of the womb as his Resurrection body afterwards did, out of the tomb or through closed doors.

Jovinianus, concerning whom we know little more than is to be found in the two following books, had published at Rome a Latin treatise containing all, or part of the opinions here controverted, viz. (1) “That a virgin is no better as such than a wife in the sight of God. (2) Abstinence is no better than a thankful partaking of food. (3) A person baptized with the Spirit as well as with water cannot sin. (4) All sins are equal. (5) There is but one grade of punishment and one of reward in the future state.” In addition to this he held the birth of our Lord to have been by a “true parturition,” and was thus at issue with the orthodoxy of the time, according to which the infant Jesus passed through the walls of the womb as His Resurrection body afterwards did out of the tomb or through the closed doors. Pammachius, Jerome’s friend, brought Jovinian’s book under the notice of Siricius, bishop of Rome, and it was shortly afterwards condemned in synods at that city and at Milan (about a.d. 390).

St. Jerome (347 - 420) wrote this work against Jovinianus, a religious figure who claimed that in Christianity, virginity was no better a state than being married. He also claimed that abstinence was not necessary and that all sins were equally sinful in the eyes of God. This was in stark opposition to the 4th-century understanding of the Christian faith. Jerome, who at the time, was living as a monk in Bethlehem, took up the task of writing a defence of the current understanding of the issue. Jovinianus' propositions were condemned by Siricius, the bishop of Rome, along with synods both in Rome and at Milan (around 390 AD). The work gives a fascinating insight into Christian debates of the early church. The source text for this work is: A select library of Nicene and post-Nicene fathers of the Christian Church / Second series. Vol. 6, Letters. (Select works) / Jerome, Oxford: Parker. 1893. St. Jerome (d. 420); Henry Wace (1836-1924); Philip Schaff (1819-1893). To this work have been added illustrations of the people and Biblical figures mentioned in the text.

Is God a Vegetarian? is one of the most complete explorations of vegetarianism in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Young, a linguistics and New Testament scholar, attempts to answer the question being asked with greater and greater frequency: "Are Christians morally obligated to be vegetarians?" Many people are confused about the apparent mixed messages within the Bible. On the one hand, God prescribes a vegetarian diet in the Garden of Eden and the apocalyptic visions of Isaiah and John imply the restoration of a vegetarian diet. However, it is also clear that God permits, Jesus partakes in, and Paul sanctions the eating of flesh. Does the Bible give any clear guidance? Close readings of key biblical texts pertaining to dietary customs, vegetarianism, and animal rights make up the substance of the book. Rather than ignoring or offering a literal, twentieth-century interpretation of the passages, the author analyzes the voices of these conflicting dietary motifs within their own social contexts. Interwoven throughout these readings are discussions of contemporary issues, such as animal testing and experimentation, the fur industry, raising animals in factories, and the effects of meat-eating on human health. Thirteen chapters cover such topics as -- the vegetarian diet in the Garden of Eden -- the clothing of the first humans in animal skins -- God's permitting humans to eat meat -- animal sacrifice -- the dietary habits of Jesus and the early apostles -- Paul's condemnation of vegetarianism as heresy -- the dietary views of the early church fathers -- the peaceable kingdom. The author provides two vegetarian recipes at the end of each chapter. An epilogue includes guidelines for becoming a vegetarian and a recommended reading list. Insightful and challenging, Is God a Vegetarian? poses provocative questions for vegetarians, Christians, and anyone reflecting upon her personal choices and ethical role in our world today.

Since the very beginnings of literature, "half humankind"--The female of the species-has been an irresistible subject for the pens of the other half.

A study of the 'heretic' Jovinian and the Jovinianist controversy, this work examines early Christian views on marriage and celibacy in the first three centuries and the development of an anti-heretical tradition. It provides an analysis of the responses of Jovinian's main opponents.

The latest addition to the Ancient Christian Texts series offers a first-ever English translation of Jerome's Commentary on Jeremiah. Expertly rendered with notes and an introduction by Michael Graves, this commentary by one of the great doctors of the Latin church provides a rare look at how the ancients handled the prophetic literature.

The contemporary church's debate on the inclusion of same-sex individuals and their relationships has devolved into diametrically opposed positions. Rather than resolving the argument, the conversation between the two sides reflects the impasse that is taking place in denominations across the West. It is clear that the dispute cannot be resolved while couched in these terms. In this timely work, Steven Schafer invites the reader to move beyond the terms of the current debate toward the underlying doctrinal concerns so often glossed over by that discussion. This book is a work of hermeneutics that engages the contemporary discussion on the legitimacy of same-sex relationships with the grand theological narrative handed down by the church. By placing four contemporary revisionists in dialogue with the work of Augustine, the book provides language and theological avenues to reframe the debate and contributes to the church's ongoing discernment.