The Narrative Shape of Emotion in the Preaching of John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom remains, along with Augustine, one of the most prolific witnesses to the world of late antiquity. As priest of Antioch and bishop of Constantinople, he earned his reputation as an extraordinary preacher. In this first unified study of emotions in Chrysostoms writings, Blake Leyerle examines the fourth-century preachers understanding of anger, grief, and fear. These difficult emotions, she argues, were central to Chrysostoms program of ethical formation and were taught primarily through narrative means. In recounting the tales of scripture, Chrysostom consistently draws attention to the emotional tenor of these stories, highlighting biblical characters moods, discussing their rational underpinnings, and tracing the outcomes of their reactions. By showing how assiduously Chrysostom aimed not only to allay but also to arouse strong feelings in his audiences to combat humanitys indifference and to inculcate zeal, Leyerle provides a fascinating portrait of late antiquitys foremost preacher.