This book surveys the Greek fathers' interpretations of the Gospel of John from the earliest surviving commentary (Heracleon, c. 170) up to the early fifth century. It examines key themes and passages from the gospel and the varying methods of exegesis applied to them by different commentators, giving special attention to the contrast between the schools of Alexandria (notably Origen and Cyril) and of Antioch (Theodore of Mopsuestia and John Chrysostom). Maurice Wiles identifies the distinctive insights of each commentator and teases out the rich diversity of interpretations that flourished...

Core questions about the Christian faith are addressed in an accessible and thought-provoking manner by theologican Maurice Wiles as he uses reason to reflect on issues of faith.

The interpretation of the Pauline Epistles has always been a central issue in the whole understanding of the Christian faith. Wiles analyses the writings of the Greek and Latin commentators of the third, fourth and early fifth centuries. The patristic exegesis of St Paul is concerned with a wide range of doctrinal issues. these include, in particular, the great issues of grace and faith which were of such importance at the time of the Reformation. Wiles questions whether the Fathers were as insensitive to the Pauline teaching about grace as is often claimed. This book is a companion to The...

"In The Remaking of Christian Doctrine, I attempted a critical discussion of some of the central facets of traditional Christian doctrine. To some Christians that aim in itself seemed suspect. But many scholars who had no complaints to raise about the general aim were unhappy about the outcome. It appeared to them to be "negative" or "unconstructive," failing to do justice to the living character of Christian faith. However, that book had a limited role in that respect. I spoke of the need for further work to be done. But the problem of how that further work is to be done, how to spell out...

Does God act in the world? Does he affect what happens to us in the varied experiences of our daily life? If so, in what ways and by what means? In an age when so many of the particular cases in which communities or individuals find themselves led to speak of God's acting prove to be cases which appear to others both morally and spiritually unacceptable, we need to give thought to the deeper underlying issue. Can God be said to act in the world at all? Does God even exist? The nature of God's action is clearly of the utmost importance for Christians, because they claim that God does act in...