Joy-bearing Grief

Hannah M. Hunt, Ph.D. (1999) in Theology, University of Leeds, teaches patristics, NT and humanities at various British Universities. She has published and spoken on the desert fathers, St. Macrina, Gregory of Narek, Isaac, Ephrem and Symeon the New Theologian.

All those interested in the spirituality and religious anthropology of the early eastern Christian church, especially from a female perspective; academics, the religious and students on late Antique culture.

Abbreviations .. ix
Preface .. xi

Section I: Introduction
Introduction What is Penthos and Where is It Found? .. 3
The Lexicography of Penthos and Its Distinction from Other Types of Melancholy .. 3
Patristic Distinctions Between Compunction, Mourning for Sin and Melancholy .. 9
Expressions of Grief for Sin in the Medieval Mediterranean World .. 17
The Semitic Provenance of Penthos .. 20
Recent Studies of Penthos .. 25

Section II: The Call To Repentance From The Desert
Chapter One The Desert Tradition .. 41
Chapter Two The Place of Klimakos Within the Desert Tradition .. 51
Chapter Three Exegesis of Step 7 of The Ladder of Divine Ascent .. 65
The Structure of The Ladder and the Context of Step 7 .. 66
Definitions of Penthos .. 75
Purifying Tears and Baptism .. 82
Fear and Love of God .. 84
Spiritual Laughter .. 86
Tears as an Indication of Spiritual Growth .. 87
The Integration of the Whole Person in the Process of Mourning .. 88
Human Endeavour and God’s Grace .. 90

Section III: ‘She Bathed His Feet With Her Tears:’ Ephremic Interpretations Of Luke 7.36–50
Chapter Four The Early Syrian Perspective .. 97
Encratism and Anthropology .. 101
Chapter Five The Context of Syrian Commentaries on the ‘Sinful Woman’ .. 107
A Typology of Womanhood .. 110
Syrian Commentaries on the ‘Sinful Woman:’
Inner Dialogue, Transformation and the Eye of Faith .. 114

Section IV: ‘That Sweet Life-Restoring Sorrow Of Which The Apostle Spoke:’ Isaac Of Nineveh’s Teachings On Tears Of Repentance
Chapter Six The Sitz im Leben of Isaac .. 129
Chapter Seven Encratism and Human Integrity .. 135
Chapter Eight Hierarchies of the Spiritual State .. 153
Chapter Nine Humanity’s Filiation With God .. 159

Section V: ‘You Will See Him Whom No Man Has Seen:’ Symeon The New Theologian’s Reappropriation Of Desert Teaching
Chapter Ten Context and Biography .. 171
Chapter Eleven Symeon’s Sources and Influences: Messalianism, Donatism and Macarius .. 181
Chapter Twelve Eulabes as the New Theologian’s Prime Source .. 187
Chapter Thirteen Symeon the New Theologian and Penthos 201
Chapter Fourteen The Authority of Penthos and Its Sacramental Roots .. 211

Conclusion .. 225
The Tradition of the Eastern Christian Church .. 228
Restoration to the Image of God: Penthos and God the Father .. 230
Human Autonomy and Divine Incorporation: Penthos and God the Son .. 235
Charismatic Authority: Penthos and the Holy Spirit .. 238
Summary of the Patristic Teachings on Penthos .. 241
Joy-Bearing Grief .. 242

Bibliography .. 247
Primary Sources .. 247
Secondary Material .. 253
Glossary of Technical Terms Used .. 263

Index of Biblical References .. 265
Index of Subjects .. 266
Index of Ancient Authors .. 270
Index of Modern Scholars .. 271