Empire, Ethnic Election and Exegesis in the Opus Caroli (Libri Carolini)
Conor O’Brien
Modern historians have long argued that the early medieval Franks thought themselves to be chosen people or new Israel, especially as they gained a great empire under Carolingian dynasty in late eighth century. The Opus Caroli of Bishop Theodulf Orleans has often been cited one clearest expressions this self-conception God's elect. A massive work attacking legitimacy Byzantine context iconoclasm dispute during 790s, it does indeed contest claim Christian empire. But Theodulf's repeated statement ‘We are spiritual Israel’ is best understood not an assertion ethnic election, but reference tradition Scripture exegesis which should (he argues) underpin both Frankish and understanding images. rested on championing universal Church, its traditions orthodoxy correct biblical interpretation.
Studies in Church History