The Cappadocian Mothers

The Cappadocian Fathers had great impact on the church of the fourth century, having brought their passion for Christ and their theological expertise to life in their ministry. While Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory of Nazianzus are well known, the women of their families were also highly influential. In The Cappadocian Mothers, Carla D. Sunberg uncovers the lives of seven women who may have had more effect on the theology of the church than previously believed. As the Cappadocians wrestle with the Christianization of the concept of deification, we find the women in their lives becoming models for their theological understanding. The lives of the women become points of intersection in the kenosis-theosis parabola. Not only are the Cappadocian Mothers brought to life in the texts, but they become models of an optimistic theology of restoration for all of humanity without constraint of gender.

The Cappadocian Fathers had great influence on the church of the fourth century, having brought their passion for Christ and theological expertise to life in their ministry. Their work was not devoid of influence, including that of their immediate family members. Within their writings we uncover the lives of seven women, the Cappadocian Mothers, who may have had more influence on the theology of the church than previously believed. As the Cappadocians wrestle with the Christianization of the concept of deification, we find the women in their lives becoming models for their theological understanding. The lives of the women become points of intersection in the kenosis-theosis parabola. Not only are the Cappadocian Mothers uncovered in the texts, but they become models of an optimistic theology of restoration for all of humanity without constraint of gender.

Many have heard of the Cappadocian Fathers-that trio from the fourth century who shaped much of the way we think about our faith today. What some don't realize is that these men were surrounded by several devout women who had a profound influence on their lives and their theology. Dr. Carla Sunberg has uncovered the fragments of details that remain about seven revolutionary women, whom she calls the Cappadocian Mothers. In so doing, Sun berg introduces to us a group of saints who practiced some very Uncommon Virtues. You'll be challenged and inspired by the stories of these incredible and courageous women who model a new way of following Christ. Book jacket.