Late Antique Christian Literature

Late Antique Christian literature in the East refers to the literary works produced in the Eastern part of the Roman Empire during the Late Antique period, which roughly spans from the third to the eighth century. Late Antiquity witnessed significant developments in Christian thought, theology, and spirituality, and the literature of this time reflects these advances.

Medieval Christian Literature

Medieval Christian literature refers to the Medieval Christian literary works produced during the Middle Ages (approximately fifth to fifteenth century) that were inspired by or dealt with Christian themes, like Gospel narratives, the Passion of the Lord, or the Resurrection. This period was characterized by the dominance of Christianity in Europe, and the literature of this time reflects the religious beliefs, values, and cultural practices of Medieval Christians. This workshop will explore the history and culture of Late Antique and Medieval Christian literature and the common themes and motifs across different works. The workshop will include a historical, social, and theological reading of the texts, as well as their literary analysis.

Workshop Outline

Introduction (15 minutes)

  • Methodology for reading Christian literature from a historical and theological perspective.
  • Importance of Christian literature in shaping Medieval culture and thought.

 

Exploration of Selected Works and Authors (3-4 hours)

  • In-depth analysis of selected texts from Late Antique and Medieval Christian literature.
  • Group discussions and guided analysis of texts, exploring their literary techniques, theological and historical insights, and cultural significance.

 

 Interactive Activities (1 hour)

  • Engaging activities to encourage participant involvement and deeper understanding, such as:
  • Creative writing exercise inspired by Medieval themes or characters.
  • Group analysis and interpretation of Early and Medieval Christian texts.

 

Panel Discussion and Q&A (30 minutes)

  • Open-floor for questions and discussion.

 

Conclusion and Reflection (15 minutes)

  • Recap of the workshop's key learning outcomes.
  • Reflection on how the workshop has deepened the appreciation for Late Antique and Medieval Christian literature.
  • Suggestions for further reading and exploration.

Meet Your Workshop Leaders

Dr. John J. Gallagher, St. Andrews University



Zoe Tsiami, Ph.D.c., University of Thessaly