Christian Cyclopedia

Schools, Early Christian.

In this art., “school” is used in the theol. as well as physical sense; Tertullian called Christianity a philos. (De pallio, 6).

1. Alexandrian. At Alexandria, Egypt, a university developed out of the catechumenate school. Leaders: Pantaenus,* Clement* of Alexandria, Origen.* Chief characteristics: allegorical exegesis and speculative theol. influenced by Gk. philos., esp. Philo* Judaeus. See also Alexandria, School of.

2. Roman. Leader: Hippolytus.* Method: allegorical.

3. Caesarean. Begun by Origen,* discontinued at his death; his books formed the nucleus of the library of Pamphilus* of Caesarea, who reopened the school ca. 290. The school influenced the Cappadocian* Theologians.

4. Antiochene. Begun perhaps by Lucian* of Antioch. Used grammaticohistorical* method in opposition to allegorical method. After condemnation of Nestorius,* the school moved to Edessa,* later to Nisibis* (see 5 and 6). See also antioch, School of.

5. Nisibis.* Flourished esp. under Narsai.* See also 4 and 6; Barsumas, Thomas.

6. Edessa.* Begun by Ephraem.* See also 4 and 5.

See also Exegesis.