Cover i Title Page iii Copyright Page iv Dedication v Preface xi Abbreviations xix
1. Patristic Reading 1
The Church Fathers on Sacramental Reading of Scripture Scripture as Sacrament
Metaphysics and Hermeneutics: Origen, Hobbes, and Spinoza Sacramental Reading in Origen: Discerning Heavenly Patterns Irenaeus’s Recapitulation as Sacramental Reading
Retrieving Sacramental Reading: Meaning, Virtue, Progress, and Providence Conclusion
2. Literal Reading 27
Gregory of Nyssa and Augustine on the Creation Accounts of Genesis
Patristic Interest in Reading by the Letter Gregory of Nyssa, On the Making of Man Gregory’s Literal Reading as Theological Augustine’s Turn to Literal Exegesis Theological Literalism in Saint Augustine Conclusion
3. Hospitable Reading 56
Origen and Chrysostom on the Theophany of Genesis 18 Interpretation as Hospitality Origen: The Son of God at Mamre
Origen: Hospitality as Allegory
Chrysostom: Divine Condescension at Mamre and in Scripture Chrysostom: Hospitality as Interpersonal Moral Virtue Conclusion
4. Other Reading 81
Melito of Sardis and Origen on the Passover of Exodus 12 The Exodus: Allegory as Arbitrary Reading?
Typology in Scripture Melito of Sardis, On Pascha Origen, Treatise on the Passover Conclusion
5. Incarnational Reading 105
Origen on the Historical Narrative of Joshua Allegory and Event Origen’s Polemical Context Scripture as Incarnate Logos Mysterii video sacramentum History’s Rightful Place From History to Spirit: Biblical Rationale Conclusion
6. Harmonious Reading 131
Clement of Alexandria, Athanasius, Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, and Augustine on the Music of the Psalms Tuning People with the Psalms Harmony in the Platonic Tradition Harmony in the Early Church
Restoring Harmony: Virtue and Emotions in the Psalms Harmony with the Voice of Christ Gregory of Nyssa on the Order of the Psalms Conclusion
7. Doctrinal Reading 159
Athanasius and Gregory of Nyssa on the Wisdom of Proverbs 8 Spiritual Interpretation and Christian Doctrine From Origen to Eusebius Athanasius: Interpretive Strategies Athanasius: Exegesis 1 and 2
Gregory of Nyssa: Turning the Peacock
Gregory of Nyssa: Christ Created, Established, and Born in Us
Reading Wisdom Sacramentally
Conclusion
8. Nuptial Reading 187
Hippolytus, Origen, and Ambrose on the Bridal Couple of the Song of Songs Contemporary Readings of the Song of Songs Hippolytus: Allegory and Economy Origen: Ecclesial and Personal Readings Ambrose: Ecclesial Asceticism Conclusion
9. Prophetic Reading 219
Irenaeus, Cyril of Alexandria, Origen, Eusebius, Gregory of Nyssa, Jerome, Ambrose, and Augustine on the Servant Songs of Isaiah
Prophecy and Fulfillment: A Sacramental Bond
Edward Pusey’s Sacramental Typology
Looking for Christ in Isaiah’s Prophecies
Christ as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53
Christological Reading and the Wirkungsgeschichte of the Text
Christological Mystery Hidden in the Servant Songs
Wounded by Love: Associations of the Chosen Arrow (Isa. 49:2)
Conclusion
10. Beatific Reading 249
Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine, and Leo the Great on the Beatitudes of Matthew 5
Spiritual Interpretation of the New Testament
Interpreting between Cave and Mountain
Gregory of Nyssa and Multiplicity of Meaning
Virtue and Salvation
Virtue and Interpretation
Numbering the Steps of Virtue
Conclusion
Conclusion 273
Bibliography 280
Name Index 299
Ancient and Medieval Writings Index 303 Scripture Index 309 Subject Index 313 Back Cover 317