Verleiblichung und Synergie

This volume examines the biblical hermeneutics of Maximus the Confessor (579/580-662). Although some aspects of the Confessor's hermeneutical approach had already been tackled, a comprehensive analysis was still missing. Accordingly, this book fills a gap in Patristic studies.
The study consists of three chapters. The first one deals with the logoi theory of Maximus being the ontological nucleus around which his whole theological thinking is organized. The second chapter examines Maximus' understanding of mystical ascension. Equipped with the "ontological" and "mystical" foundation, the third chapter analyzes thoroughly the hermeneutics of Maximus as such, attempting to show its coherence and rootedness in the general christological perspective of the Confessor.
This book will be of benefit not only for byzantinists and patrologists, but also for biblical scholars interested in the history of hermeneutics and exegesis as well as for historians of philosophy and medieval ideas.

Assaad E. Kattan, Th.D. (2001) in Theology, University of Marburg, is Assistant Professor at the Institute of History, Archeology and Near Eastern Heritage at the University of Balamand (UOB) in Lebanon. He published various articles in Church History, Ecumenism and Text Analysis.

'…impressive and substantial work…a very illuminating reading of the hermeneutical method and system of Maximus the Confessor…this book offers a very valuable set of insights into the dynamic and profoundly Christological character of Maximus’ hermeneutics…this book is certainly to be recommended.'
Marcus Plested, Journal of Ecclesiastical History, 2005.
'Cette étude est soignée, honnête, repose sur une connaissance directe et attentive des textes de Maxime et témoigne d’une connaissance large et précise des études précédemment consacrées au grand théologien byzantin. Elle sera appréciée non seulement par les spécialistes de Maxime, mais par tout ceux qui s’intéressent à l’esprit et aux méthodes de l’exégèse biblique'
j.Cl. Larchet, Revue d’Histoire et de Philosophie Religieuses, 2005.
'…une contribution importante…'
Bulletin de Théologie Patristique Crecque, 2005.
K proves himself to be able to reach highly interesting insights.... Consequently, this original study, which stresses the synthetical character of Maximus' hermeneutics, is an interesting read.
Reinhart Ceulemans, Revue d'histoire ecclesiastique, 2008