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Classical literature in the construction of jerome of stridon’s own authority
Abstract
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to determine what factors Jerome of Stridon considered when evaluating the value of studying classical literature from a Christian perspective and how this influenced the strengthening of his own prestige.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research problem relates to the intriguing phenomenon of early Christian authors reflecting on the possibility and extent of using pagan writings and incorporating their content into broader theological discourse. A philological analysis of the sources has been conducted to illustrate the issue, and their interpretation is interdisciplinary.
THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: To achieve the research objective, I analyse excerpts from three taxonomically different letters in which Jerome expresses his views on secular literature. Analysing the texts studied through the comparative method allows us to observe the adaptation of the author’s statements depending on the characteristics of the letter, its addressee, and its purpose.
RESEARCH RESULTS: The analysis of Jerome of Stridon’s statements on classical literature in the source material presented in the article shows that Jerome constructs his opinions based on the purpose of the letter in question, ensuring that the statement fits the letter’s structure and purpose (exegetical, exhortative, or apologetic), thereby more or less consciously strengthening his own authority.
CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Despite the extensive literature on church history from the late fourth and early fifth centuries, there remains an open and underexplored area of inquiry into the impact of pagan heritage on the development of late antique Christianity.
Keywords
Jerome of Stridon ; classical literature ; authority ; letters
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