Eastern Christianity: A Reader

A rich anthology of early Eastern Christian texts

Eastern Christianity: A Reader is an unparalleled collection of significant texts from Syriac, Armenian, Georgian, Arabic, Coptic, and Ethiopic Christian traditions. Spanning a broad swath of history from late antiquity to the early modern period, the texts are presented here in English translation, many for the first time.

The internationally renowned scholars behind these translations begin each section with an informative historical introduction, so that anyone interested in learning more about these understudied groups can more easily traverse their diverse linguistic, cultural, and literary traditions. In the book’s introduction, general editor J. Edward Walters provides historical and theological background information that will be particularly useful for newcomers to this field of study. This volume is a remarkable resource for scholars, students, and general readers seeking a more nuanced understanding of early Eastern Christianity.

Contributors:  Jesse S. Arlen, Aaron M. Butts, Jeff W. Childers, Mary K. Farag, Philip Michael Forness, John C. Lamoreaux, Jeanne-Nicole Mellon Saint-Laurent, Erin Galgay Walsh, J. Edward Walters, and Jeffrey Wickes

J. Edward Walters is a historian of Christianity in late antiquity. He specializes in the history and literature of Syriac-speaking communities throughout the Middle East. He currently serves as an associate professor of history and global studies at Abilene Christian University. Previously, he served as cataloger of Syriac manuscripts for Hill Museum and Manuscript Library in Collegeville, Minnesota. He is the editor of Eastern Christianity: A Reader.