Repentance in Late Antiquity Eastern Asceticism and the Framing of the Christian Life c.400-650 CE

This study provides a fresh perspective on the concept of repentance in early Christianity. The main body of texts explored for this purpose come out of the Greek-speaking monastic movement from the fifth century up to the rise of Islam (mid-seventh century), but other important texts, such as Scripture, early Christian treatises and homilies, apocalyptic material, and canonical literature are also examined in separate chapters or appendices. Repentance in earlyChristianity is normally examined by scholars with reference to the development of the sacrament of penance or confession. This study, while acknowledging the aspect of confession in certain texts on repentance, goes much further, providing a broader overview of what repentance meant in the lateantique Christian context.