New Books in Library Science David G. Hunter et al., "Brill Encyclopedia of Early Christianity: Authors, Texts, and Ideas" (Brill, 2024)
Jan 8, 2025
David G. Hunter, the Margaret O'Brien Flatley Chair of Catholic Theology at Boston College, discusses the creation of the Brill Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, a groundbreaking six-volume resource. He shares insights from his 40 years in early Christian studies, highlighting collaborative challenges and the integration of diverse texts. The conversation explores early Christian debates, the influence of regional languages like Coptic and Syriac, and the revolutionary impact of the encyclopedia on modern scholarship, offering a fresh perspective on foundational Christian ideas.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Hunter's Background
- David G. Hunter's background in classics and religious studies shaped his career.
- His experience co-editing a 1000-page book led to his involvement in the encyclopedia project.
Bridging the Gap
- The encyclopedia aims to bridge the gap between New Testament studies and patristics.
- It recognizes the artificial distinction often made between the two fields.
Expanded Scope
- The encyclopedia expanded its scope to include Christianity up to 600 CE.
- This encompasses major councils and writers of the 5th and 6th centuries.