Humanism and the Study of the Church Fathers

In Humanism and the Study of the Church Fathers, Benjamin Shaw delivers a compelling exploration of the Renaissance intellectual revolution that reshaped Christian theology and scholarship. Tracing the revival of patristic studies—from the rediscovery of Augustine, Jerome, Ambrose, and Gregory the Great's writings to the humanists' radical critique of medieval scholasticism—this book reveals how returning ad fontes ("to the sources") sparked a transformative dialogue between ancient wisdom and emerging modern thought. Shaw uncovers how Renaissance humanists wielded the authentic voices of the Church Fathers as both scholarly treasures and powerful instruments against scholastic excesses, catalyzing theological reform and revitalizing Christian education. Readers will discover the rich interplay of language, translation, rhetoric, and doctrinal renewal that underpinned this era's intellectual ferment, bridging the classical past with the Reformation's seismic shifts. This masterful volume not only illuminates a pivotal chapter in religious history but also engages enduring questions about tradition, authority, and the renewal of faith in every age. Essential for scholars, students, and anyone fascinated by the roots of modern Christian thought, Humanism and the Study of the Church Fathers invites readers into the vibrant, ongoing conversation between past and present that continues to shape theology today.