John of Damascus, St. (c. 675-749)

John of Damascus, St. (c. 675-749) -- from Wikipedia Article

NPNF2-09. Hilary of Poitiers, John of Damascus (Author)

Description: With over twenty volumes, the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers is a momentous achievement. Originally gathered by Philip Schaff, the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers is a collection of writings by classical and medieval Christian theologians. The purpose of such a collection is to make their writings readily available. The entire work is divided into two series, each with fourteen volumes. The second series focuses on a variety of important Church Fathers, ranging from the fourth century to the eighth century. The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers are comprehensive in scope, and provide keen translations of instructive and illuminating texts from some of the great theologians of the Christian church. These spiritually enlightening texts have aided Christians for over a thousand years, and remain instructive and fruitful even today!

Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer

St. John of Damascene on Holy Images (Followed by Three Sermons on the Assumption)

Description: St. John of Damascus was an Arab Christian monk and priest who lived from late 600 to late 700 C.E. He was a man of many talents, and did work in the fields of music, theology, law, and philosophy. This collection of his works includes three sermons he wrote and preached on icons in the church. The Iconoclastic Controversy (where some church members believed icons had become idols and should be removed from worship) came to a head in the eighth century, and St. John defended the use of icons in worship. This volume also includes three sermons St. John preached on the Assumption - the Catholic doctrine of Mary being taken up to heaven. St. John's sermons are a revealing look into the icon controversy and the Assumption doctrine. Those interested in these ancient debates will enjoy his historical perspective.

Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer