The Formation of Christian Europe: The Carolingians, Baptism, and the Imperium Christianum by Owen M. Phelan
Matthew Bryan Glllis
Reviewed by: The Formation of Christian Europe: Carolingians, Baptism, and the Imperium Christianum by Owen M. Phelan Matthew Bryan Glllis Christianum. By Phelan. (New York: Oxford University Press. 2014. Pp. ix, 312. $ 105.00. ISBN 978-0-19-871803-1.) This is a welcome book. author argues how reformers under Charlemagne used baptism, understood as sacramentum, fundamental organizing principle for Carolingian imperial society—a development that would shape European world throughout medieval period beyond. One great strengths this book it combines study intellectual history, ritual theory practice, framing legitimizing political power, particular religious identity within an framework. Chapter 1 offers genealogy sacramentum ordering concept from Antiquity to early Middle Ages. Key here was overlap between legal theological meanings. Indeed, sacramentums Roman origins military oath allegiance later proved remarkably useful keen link expectations loyalty regime with spiritual transformation baptism. next three chapters provide sustained analysis sources Charlemagne’s reign, when intellectuals worked transform baptism conceptually ritualistically into program formation. 2 examines sacramenta, especially gave leaders ways their authority in terms order envision imperium christianum polity. chapter largely explores Frankish interactions “others,” such Spanish heretics Adoptionist Controversy, Saxon pagans who repeatedly rejected coerced baptisms domination, Jews were expected take non-baptismal pledges enjoy protections privileges empire. 3 focuses on Alcuin’s efforts develop producing subjects. Here investigates missionary theories, his concerns moral education, influential interpretation rite (the Primo paganus), circle important allies correspondents embraced baptismal program. 4 analyzes machinery formation at work through series last years, encyclical letter (811/812) numerous episcopal documents created response questionnaire. Central author’s argument approaches provided basis unity these discussions, while still allowing liturgical diversity. 5 ninth-century authors—in Bishop Jonas Orléans Dhuoda Septimania—adapted conceptions lay readers. Since infant predominated, godparenting, confirmation, sacrament penance became crucial maintaining promises, thereby serving after expansion ended. Phelan’s choice authors texts strategic necessary due tremendous increase writings Charlemagne. conclusion turns Notker Stammerer’s Gesta Karoli [End Page 110] illumine late criticized descendants failing understand baptism’s ritualistic power expand christianum. findings are convincing. It refreshing see Christianity linked so unreservedly ambitions. Future studies other sources, including biblical commentaries handbooks priests, may complicate view creation subjects not only standpoint theologians bishops, but also common priests active pastoral care. Overall, thoughtful persuasively casts Empire fundamentally enterprise exercise power. Tennessee, Knoxville Copyright © 2017 Catholic America Press
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