Jean Danielou

Civilization and Christianity depend heavily upon one another. There is no true civilization which is not religious; nor can there be a healthy religion among a populace which is not supported by civilization. Today, too many Christians see no inconsistency in the juxtaposition of a private religion and an irreligious society, nor do they perceive how ruinous this is for both society and religion. But how are society and religion to be joined without either making religion a tool of the secular power, or the secular power a tool of religion?

Prayer as a Political Problem

Philo of Alexandria was a few years older than Jesus of Nazareth and lived longer. He belonged to a wealthy and cultured family, prominent in the Jewish community in Alexandria. Philo had contacts with the highest level of Roman authorities. He was on a risky diplomatic mission to Caligula on behalf of the persecuted Jews of Alexandria during what turned out to be Caligula's last days. Herod Agrippa was a friend in Rome during Philo's hour of greatest need. Philo is a sympathetic source on what sounds very much like a contemporary Jewish monastic movement. He is also one of the creators of the allegorical interpretation of Scripture. Some of his exegesis is reminiscent of Pythagorean numerology. It has been argued that Philo, who was well educated in Greek thought, was the founder of medieval philosophy. St. John seems to adapt Philo's thoughts about the Logos, the Word, in the prologue to his Gospel. There are also close ties between Philo's thinking and the Letter to the Hebrews. Jean Danielou, a paradigm of scholarship and clarity, makes Philo speak to us in his own voice. Anyone interested in patristics, exegesis, or simply Christian beginnings will benefit by reading Danielou's treatment of Philo.

Philo of Alexandria

The truth about angels according to the Fathers of the Church. These pages lean on the works of the early Fathers of the Church to show us who the ministering angels really are, and how in every instant and in every way they are working for your salvation and mine.

Angels and Their Mission

Jean Guitton

Jean Bosc

Jacques Madaule

The Catholic Protestant Dialogue

Jean Daniélou

Alterations have been made in the contents and arrangement of the French edition. Bibliography: p. 411-422. Translation of Theologie du judeo-christianisme.

Jean Danielou

About

Books

Join the club