Books by Piotr Ashwin-Siejkowski
The Roman Creed and Its Origin, Early Context, and Function
The Creed and the Scriptures, 2024
The Chapter discusses the origin of the ancient Roman Creed within a liturgical context, possibly... more The Chapter discusses the origin of the ancient Roman Creed within a liturgical context, possibly as a hymn to Christ combined with catechesis and baptismal questions.
Clement of Alexandria and Paul. Reception of the Apostle's Legacy in Clement's Works
"Apologists and Paul", 2024
As the title suggests this Chapter discusses Clement of Alexandria's reception of some of the Pau... more As the title suggests this Chapter discusses Clement of Alexandria's reception of some of the Pauline themes
T&T Clark Handbook of the Early Church
Bloomsbury, 2024
Exploring the key documents, authors and themes of Early Christian traditions, this volume traces... more Exploring the key documents, authors and themes of Early Christian traditions, this volume traces the vital trajectories of emerging distinctive Christian identity in the Graeco-Roman world. Special attention is given to the coherent growth of Christian faith in connection with worship, alongside the crucial transformation of Christian life and doctrine under the Christian Emperors.
As well as offering a chronological development of the Early Church, the book examines the interaction between Christian worship and faith. In addition, readers interested in systematic theology can refer to chapters on the roots of some significant theological notions in Christian Antiquity, also with reference to ancient philosophy. Issues addressed include:
· Distinctiveness of the Christian identity during the first centuries
· Diversity of communities and their theologies
· Connection between faith and worship
· Transition from the persecuted minority to triumphant Church with Creeds
· History of early Christian thought and modern systematic theology
Monograph: Valentinus’ Legacy and Polyphony of Voices (London - New York: Routledge 2021)
Routledge , 2021
This book challenges the popular use of ‘Valentinian’ to describe a Christian school of thought i... more This book challenges the popular use of ‘Valentinian’ to describe a Christian school of thought in the second century CE by analysing documents ascribed to ‘Valentinians’ by early Christian Apologists, and more recently by modern scholars after the discovery of codices near Nag Hammadi in Egypt.
To this end, Ashwin-Siejkowski highlights the great diversity of views among Christian theologians associated with the label ‘Valentinian’, demonstrating their attachment to the Scriptures and Apostolic traditions as well as their dialogue with Graeco-Roman philosophies of their time. Among the various themes explored are ‘myth’ and its role in early Christian theology, the familiarity of the Gospel of Truth with Alexandrian exegetical tradition, Ptolemy’s didactic in his letter to Flora, the image of the Saviour in the Interpretation of Knowledge, reception of the Johannine motifs in Heracleon’s commentary and the Tripartite Tractate, salvation in the Excerpts from Theodotus, Christian identity in the Gospel of Philip, and reception of selected Johannine motifs in ‘Valentinian’ documents.
Valentinus’ Legacy and Polyphony of Voices will be an invaluable and accessible resource to students, researchers, and scholars of Early Christian theologies, as well as trajectories of exegesis in New Testament sources and the emerging of different Christian identities based on various Christologies.
"Clement of Alexandria (c.150–215 CE) is one of the most significant theologians of the second-ce... more "Clement of Alexandria (c.150–215 CE) is one of the most significant theologians of the second-century, and his work is still the subject of intense academic debate. This book provides a new perspective on Clement’s thought, through a critical examination of the work of one of his critics, Photios (c.820–893 CE). Photios, the Patriarch of Constantinople, based his critique on Clement’s (now lost) treatise ‘Hypotyposeis’, claiming the work contained eight ‘heresies’. The book examines each ‘error’ listed in the 109th codex of Photios’ ‘Bibliotheca’ in depth, using evidence from Clement’s existing work to consider the likely accuracy of Photios’ critique. Focusing on these eight ‘heresies’ offers a unique opportunity to illuminate what in terms of post-Nicene orthodoxy are Clement’s most problematic opinions, setting them in the context of their original philosophical and theological frame
"
The book consists of a list of “problems” or difficulties with the gospels. Why does the genealo... more The book consists of a list of “problems” or difficulties with the gospels. Why does the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew’s gospel differ from that in Luke’s gospel? Why are there several endings to Mark’s gospel? These are just two of the questions dealt with by the erudite 4th century writer.
There are already many excellent series of texts and translations of ancient literary works. But there is a need for a series to provide access to certain works, which are of the highest interest, but have never benefitted from an English translation.
Chieftain Publishing brings to you the first in this new series: a text and translation of Eusebius of Caesarea’s Gospel Problems and Solutions, published by Angelo Mai as Quaestiones ad Stephanum et Marinum.
In this work, Eusebius discusses passages at the start and end of the four gospels, where the gospels disagree among themselves. He then gives his solutions. The answers he gives are sometimes quirky, but always interesting, both of themselves and as a guide to how people in ancient times thought about these problems.
The original language text is given, with a translation opposite.
For the summary of the book in Greek printed by Angelo Mai, the text of Claudio Zamagni from the Sources Chrétiennes edition is reproduced by permission. The Greek catena fragments and Latin quotations are given from the most recent text available. The twelve Syriac fragments assembled a century ago by Beyer are given, together with two further fragments from Severus of Antioch and Ishodad of Merv. Finally for the first time Coptic fragments are given, from the fragmentary gospel catena of de Lagarde, and Arabic fragments from the Arabic translation of that catena.
"The SCM Studyguide Early Christian Doctrine and the Creeds" offers an accessible, stimulating an... more "The SCM Studyguide Early Christian Doctrine and the Creeds" offers an accessible, stimulating and interactive guide-book to the emergence of Christian identity, with particular attention to the earliest form of the Christian thought and doctrine. The author analyses the crucial statements of the early Creeds and rules of faith. He explains the creedal statements on the nature of God, creation, incarnation, redemption, the Church and eschatology, and outlines the theological context which influenced their formulation and later modifications by other texts and authors. The Creeds are part of the heritage of all Christian tradition and therefore have to be studied by both theological students and in the context of 'education for discipleship' modules. .
The Apostles’ Creed is an expression of Christian theology in a period of creative and fascinatin... more The Apostles’ Creed is an expression of Christian theology in a period of creative and fascinating debate. The Creed is not simply a dogmatic, static and cryptic symbol of Christian faith, but, on the contrary, a lively narrative that can still inspire imagination, critical reflection and faith.
A challenge is issued to both those who have a literal interpretation of the Creed, and those who dismiss it as an incomprehensible relic of the past. The ancient debates that led to the formulation of the twelve pronouncements of the Apostles’ Creed are raised. The richness of early Christian thought is fore-grounded by looking at the ideas behind each credal pronouncement, tracing the most important Christian theological debates that inspired each statement. Early Christian theology is not treated as ‘unanimous’, but as pluralistic. The polyphony of theologian opinion which characterized the Christianity of this period is therefore highlighted and celebrated.
In explaining the context that gave birth to the Creed, this study refers to the testimony of various ‘witnesses’ of those theological arguments. This includes opponents of the Apostolic and Church Fathers: the Gnostics, ‘heretics', Jewish and pagan critics of Christian faith. .
Achievement of maturity/perfection as one of the central themes of Clement’s philosophy and theol... more Achievement of maturity/perfection as one of the central themes of Clement’s philosophy and theology, has two main approaches. Lilla’s (1971) position pointed to philosophical context which marked Clement’s thought, while Osborn studied adaptation of the Greek legacy into new Christian context. This study challenges Osborn’s view (1957), while modifying Lilla’s position. In addition it deals with elements of Clement’s theology not dealt with by Lilla i.e. the role of Christian community in progress towards Christian perfection. This patristic idea of ‘perfection’ still has much to offer to a modern reader or student of theology, as it promotes a positive, holistic and optimistic vision of human being and his/her relationship with God
TRANSLATION, INTRODUCTION and COMMENTARY: Porfiriusz z Tyru, "Grota Nimf" (Greek - Polish); Porphyry of Tyre, "The Cave of the Nymphs" (Krakow: WAM, 2006)
In Polish:
Porfiriusz z Tyru, neoplatonik, wybitny intelektualista swej epoki, znany jest jako z... more In Polish:
Porfiriusz z Tyru, neoplatonik, wybitny intelektualista swej epoki, znany jest jako zwolennik i propagator tradycyjnej religii pogańskiej w czasach coraz wyraźniejszej dominacji chrześcijaństwa. Grota nimf jest komentarzem do fragmentu Odysei Homera. W opisie groty Porfiriusz stara się znaleźć ukryty sens i interpretując go alegorycznie dowodzi uniwersalnego znaczenia motywu jaskini, wody czy miodu, a tym samym przekonuje, że religia pogańska jest pierwotna i prawdziwa. Oddawany do rąk Czytelników pierwszy polski przekład komentarza może być też dla nich ilustracją starożytnej metody krytyki literackiej, przykładem synkretyzmu kulturowego charakterystycznego dla późnego antyku oraz wyrazem niezwykłej umysłowości autora.
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TRANSLATION, INTRODUCTION and COMMENTARY : Porfiriusz z Tyru, "List to Marcelli" (Greek-Polish), Porphyry of Tyre, The Letter to his wife Marcella, (Krakow: WAM, 2006)
List do Marcelli reprezentuje typowy dla antyku gatunek literacki - list filozoficzny; równocześn... more List do Marcelli reprezentuje typowy dla antyku gatunek literacki - list filozoficzny; równocześnie jednak ma on cechy autentycznej, osobistej korespondencji, ponieważ autor pisał go do żony, będąc w podróży.
To "nie tylko piękny literacko traktat, ale i przesłanie inspirujące do szukania harmonii między wiarą i rozumem, intencjami i uczynkami, duchowym dojrzewaniem a praktykami religijnymi, a ostatecznie Porfiriusz zachęca do integracji życia poświęconego Bogu z codziennością obowiązków".
Oprócz tekstu przekładu książka zawiera również oryginalny tekst grecki Listu i obszerny wstęp.
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TRANSLATION, INTRODUCTION and COMMENTARY: Porfiriusz z Tyru, "Przeciw Chrzescijanom" (Greek-Polish); Porphyry of Tyre, "Against the Christians" (Krakow: WAM, 2006)
"Traktat Porfiriusza nie zachował się w wersji oryginalnej, lecz został zrekonstruowany na podsta... more "Traktat Porfiriusza nie zachował się w wersji oryginalnej, lecz został zrekonstruowany na podstawie dzieła Makarego Magnezjanina. Domniemany autor traktatu to filozof neoplatonik z przełomu III i IV w., który w czasach coraz wyraźniejszej dominacji chrześcijaństwa próbował ocalić pogańską religię i kulturę, opierając ją na podstawach intelektualnych. Starał się wykazać nieścisłości i sprzeczności w Ewangeliach i dowieść niedorzeczności nauki Jezusa. Z podobnymi argumentami można spotkać się i dziś, a książka prowokuje do poszukiwania odpowiedzi na podobne zarzuty. Książka zawiera również tekst w oryginalnej wersji greckiej.
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TRANSLATION, INTRODUCTION and COMMENTARY: Clement z Aleksandrii "Wypisy z Theodota" (Greek-Polish); Clement of Alexandria "Excerpta ex Theodoto" (Krakow, WAM, 2001)
In Polish:
Jest to krótka antologia tekstów gnostyka ze szkoły walentyniańskiej o tymże imieni... more In Polish:
Jest to krótka antologia tekstów gnostyka ze szkoły walentyniańskiej o tymże imieniu, żyjącego w II wieku, opatrzonych komentarzem przez Klemensa. Autorowi antologii zależało na zwróceniu uwagi na takie zwłaszcza sformułowania, które mimo pozorów pobożności wypaczały tradycję apostolską. Książka poprzedzona jest wstępem umiejscawiającym poglądy Teodota na tle odkrytych pism gnostyckich z Nag-Hammadi.
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Papers by Piotr Ashwin-Siejkowski
Clement of Alexandria on Nature: Allegory and Beyond.
Studia Patristica CXXXI, 73-87., 2024
Clement’s view on nature of the current physical world has emerged in multiple contexts. He is kn... more Clement’s view on nature of the current physical world has emerged in multiple contexts. He is known in modern scholarship as one of the leading early Christian theologians who look at Scriptures through the lenses of allegory. Would he use the same lenses while commenting on the nature of the current world? This paper offers the direct answer to
this question as well as provides the reader with the context of Clement’s views. First, it reminds the readers that the nature of the world during the first and second centuries showed its powerful, unpredictable and scary features through a number of natural disasters, such as eruptions of volcanos and earthquakes and military conflicts, including the
fall of Jerusalem. These terrifying events raised the question among Christian apologists about the character of the creator of this world: is he good, evil or ignorant? Clement enters into this debate with his own strong opinion which assimilates some philosophical statements from Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle. Clement pronounces his opinions in
the context of early Christian alternative views on the ruler of this world. Is Clement’s response overoptimistic or coherent as it brings together his exegesis of the Scriptures with his intellectual (philosophical) stance? The author argues for the latter.
The Apostles' Creed : the Apostles' Creed and its early Christian context
" The Apostles' Creed" is an expression of Christian theol... more " The Apostles' Creed" is an expression of Christian theology that was formed in a period of fascinating and creative debate. The creed is not simply a dogmatic, static, and cryptic symbol of Christian faith, but, on the contrary, a lively narrative that can still inspire ...
Tozsamosc diaspory: Zydzi w Azji Mniejszej okresu cesarstwa. By KRYSTYNA STEBNICKA
The Journal of Theological Studies, Jul 13, 2013
Gnosis: Journal of Gnostic Studies, 2020
The Coptic translation of a passage from Plato’s Republic (588b–589b) found in the sixth Codex of... more The Coptic translation of a passage from Plato’s Republic (588b–589b) found in the sixth Codex of the Nag Hammadi collection has received very limited academic attention in comparison with other tractates from the same Codex. This paper argues that placing this passage within Clement of Alexandria’s polemic with Christian Platonists Carpocrates and his son Epiphanes, may provide a fresh and insightful comment on the use of Republic, with its anthropology and ethics among various second-century Christian teachers. This passage allegorizes various passions within the human soul and warns against injustice. According to Clement of Alexandria the subject of justice, or righteousness, was one of the subjects which attracted the attention of Epiphanes. I propose that the origin of the Coptic passage goes back to the second-century effort to assimilate Platonic ideas about the human soul into Christian ethics. Although various apologists accused Carpocrates and Epiphanes of sexual immorali...
Tuomas Rasimus ; in collaboration with Dylan M. Burns, Lance Jenott, Zeke Mazur. pages cm-(Nag Ha... more Tuomas Rasimus ; in collaboration with Dylan M. Burns, Lance Jenott, Zeke Mazur. pages cm-(Nag Hammadi and Manichaean studies ; volume 82) Includes bibliographical references and index.
The Moral Psychology of Clement of Alexandria: Mosaic Philosophy by Kathleen Gibbons
Journal of Early Christian Studies
The Image of the Feminine in the Gospel of Philip: An Innovative Assimilation of Paul's Gender Legacy in the Valentinian Milieu
Patterns of Women's Leadership in Early Christianity (OUP), 96-108, 2021
This chapter considers a text that is often considered ‘Gnostic’ in character. ‘The Image of the ... more This chapter considers a text that is often considered ‘Gnostic’ in character. ‘The Image of the Feminine in the Gospel of Philip: An Innovative Assimilation of Paul’s Gender Legacy in the Valentinian Milieu’ explores the richness of images of the feminine preserved in the Coptic Gospel of Philip and their significance to the life of the Christian community. It assesses the diversity and dichotomy of the feminine symbolism in relevant documents from the Nag Hammadi. In this context the study highlights the importance and creativity of Philip’s construction of the feminine. The chapter also offers a discussion of the assimilation of the Pauline exegesis of the story of the creation of Adam and Eve by this document. On that basis the chapter shows the original trajectory of the Gospel, which goes beyond the Pauline legacy, to serve the needs of its audience. Finally, as the Gospel of Philip pays a great deal of attention to the value of Christian teaching (exegesis) and the sacraments, the essay addresses the vital question: could Christian women take an active role in teaching and worship in the light of this Gospel and its gender construction?
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Books by Piotr Ashwin-Siejkowski
As well as offering a chronological development of the Early Church, the book examines the interaction between Christian worship and faith. In addition, readers interested in systematic theology can refer to chapters on the roots of some significant theological notions in Christian Antiquity, also with reference to ancient philosophy. Issues addressed include:
· Distinctiveness of the Christian identity during the first centuries
· Diversity of communities and their theologies
· Connection between faith and worship
· Transition from the persecuted minority to triumphant Church with Creeds
· History of early Christian thought and modern systematic theology
To this end, Ashwin-Siejkowski highlights the great diversity of views among Christian theologians associated with the label ‘Valentinian’, demonstrating their attachment to the Scriptures and Apostolic traditions as well as their dialogue with Graeco-Roman philosophies of their time. Among the various themes explored are ‘myth’ and its role in early Christian theology, the familiarity of the Gospel of Truth with Alexandrian exegetical tradition, Ptolemy’s didactic in his letter to Flora, the image of the Saviour in the Interpretation of Knowledge, reception of the Johannine motifs in Heracleon’s commentary and the Tripartite Tractate, salvation in the Excerpts from Theodotus, Christian identity in the Gospel of Philip, and reception of selected Johannine motifs in ‘Valentinian’ documents.
Valentinus’ Legacy and Polyphony of Voices will be an invaluable and accessible resource to students, researchers, and scholars of Early Christian theologies, as well as trajectories of exegesis in New Testament sources and the emerging of different Christian identities based on various Christologies.
"
There are already many excellent series of texts and translations of ancient literary works. But there is a need for a series to provide access to certain works, which are of the highest interest, but have never benefitted from an English translation.
Chieftain Publishing brings to you the first in this new series: a text and translation of Eusebius of Caesarea’s Gospel Problems and Solutions, published by Angelo Mai as Quaestiones ad Stephanum et Marinum.
In this work, Eusebius discusses passages at the start and end of the four gospels, where the gospels disagree among themselves. He then gives his solutions. The answers he gives are sometimes quirky, but always interesting, both of themselves and as a guide to how people in ancient times thought about these problems.
The original language text is given, with a translation opposite.
For the summary of the book in Greek printed by Angelo Mai, the text of Claudio Zamagni from the Sources Chrétiennes edition is reproduced by permission. The Greek catena fragments and Latin quotations are given from the most recent text available. The twelve Syriac fragments assembled a century ago by Beyer are given, together with two further fragments from Severus of Antioch and Ishodad of Merv. Finally for the first time Coptic fragments are given, from the fragmentary gospel catena of de Lagarde, and Arabic fragments from the Arabic translation of that catena.
A challenge is issued to both those who have a literal interpretation of the Creed, and those who dismiss it as an incomprehensible relic of the past. The ancient debates that led to the formulation of the twelve pronouncements of the Apostles’ Creed are raised. The richness of early Christian thought is fore-grounded by looking at the ideas behind each credal pronouncement, tracing the most important Christian theological debates that inspired each statement. Early Christian theology is not treated as ‘unanimous’, but as pluralistic. The polyphony of theologian opinion which characterized the Christianity of this period is therefore highlighted and celebrated.
In explaining the context that gave birth to the Creed, this study refers to the testimony of various ‘witnesses’ of those theological arguments. This includes opponents of the Apostolic and Church Fathers: the Gnostics, ‘heretics', Jewish and pagan critics of Christian faith. .
Porfiriusz z Tyru, neoplatonik, wybitny intelektualista swej epoki, znany jest jako zwolennik i propagator tradycyjnej religii pogańskiej w czasach coraz wyraźniejszej dominacji chrześcijaństwa. Grota nimf jest komentarzem do fragmentu Odysei Homera. W opisie groty Porfiriusz stara się znaleźć ukryty sens i interpretując go alegorycznie dowodzi uniwersalnego znaczenia motywu jaskini, wody czy miodu, a tym samym przekonuje, że religia pogańska jest pierwotna i prawdziwa. Oddawany do rąk Czytelników pierwszy polski przekład komentarza może być też dla nich ilustracją starożytnej metody krytyki literackiej, przykładem synkretyzmu kulturowego charakterystycznego dla późnego antyku oraz wyrazem niezwykłej umysłowości autora.
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To "nie tylko piękny literacko traktat, ale i przesłanie inspirujące do szukania harmonii między wiarą i rozumem, intencjami i uczynkami, duchowym dojrzewaniem a praktykami religijnymi, a ostatecznie Porfiriusz zachęca do integracji życia poświęconego Bogu z codziennością obowiązków".
Oprócz tekstu przekładu książka zawiera również oryginalny tekst grecki Listu i obszerny wstęp.
brak pliku okładki...
brak tekstu...
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Jest to krótka antologia tekstów gnostyka ze szkoły walentyniańskiej o tymże imieniu, żyjącego w II wieku, opatrzonych komentarzem przez Klemensa. Autorowi antologii zależało na zwróceniu uwagi na takie zwłaszcza sformułowania, które mimo pozorów pobożności wypaczały tradycję apostolską. Książka poprzedzona jest wstępem umiejscawiającym poglądy Teodota na tle odkrytych pism gnostyckich z Nag-Hammadi.
brak pliku okładki...
brak tekstu...
Papers by Piotr Ashwin-Siejkowski
this question as well as provides the reader with the context of Clement’s views. First, it reminds the readers that the nature of the world during the first and second centuries showed its powerful, unpredictable and scary features through a number of natural disasters, such as eruptions of volcanos and earthquakes and military conflicts, including the
fall of Jerusalem. These terrifying events raised the question among Christian apologists about the character of the creator of this world: is he good, evil or ignorant? Clement enters into this debate with his own strong opinion which assimilates some philosophical statements from Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle. Clement pronounces his opinions in
the context of early Christian alternative views on the ruler of this world. Is Clement’s response overoptimistic or coherent as it brings together his exegesis of the Scriptures with his intellectual (philosophical) stance? The author argues for the latter.