| Popis: |
The emergence of the monarchianic episcopal model in Rome is tied to bishop Victor I. of Rome (189?-199?). His authoritative intervention in the Eastern-controversy but also the frequent exclusion of heterodox teachers from the church he presided over are commonly considered as the beginning of a new era in ecclesiastical government. Based on six case studies concerning the disciplinary actions traditionally attributed to him (Florinus, Theodotus, the Eastern-controversy, Praxeas and the New Prophets, Calixtus), this essay examines the circumstances, context and procedures to outline the role of Victor in each of these processes. It argues that while the executive power was already clearly attributed to the bishop, the decision making process was still collectively legitimated. Furthermore, two major tendencies are characteristic for his episcopacy: First, as his predecessors, he maintained the traditional virtue of “tolerance” towards heterodox teachers and teachings. Second, his efforts in the Eastern-controversy illustrate his desire for the (visible) unity of (some of) the Christianities in the City. The essay concludes with the necessity to develop a precise terminology which addresses adequately the complexity of the developments. ispartof: Sacris Erudiri: a Journal on the Inheritance of Early and Medieval Christianity vol:55 pages:7-56 status: published |
