Eastern Syriac exegetical and theological school

What it is: The Assyrian Church of the East formed an important exegetical and school heritage, linked to centers such as Nisibis and Edessa in its broad history.

How the tradition understands it: Biblical commentary, theological teaching, liturgical poetry, and doctrinal formulation go together in the Eastern Syriac tradition.

Basis and context: Authors such as Narsai and Babai occupy a special place in this development.

Debates and variations: Modern evaluation of this school was often mediated by confessional polemics and is being revised today.

Supportive

Babai the Great, Book of the Union

assyrian-church-of-the-east,babai,christology,union

An important text of the Church of the East's christology.

Reference: Babai the Great, Book of the Union.
Content: The author formulates the union of divinity and humanity in Christ in the terminology proper to the East Syriac tradition.
Use in debate: It is a central source for East Syriac christology.

Narsai and the School of Nisibis

assyrian-church-of-the-east,narsai,nisibis,theology

A central figure of East Syriac theology and poetry.

Reference: Narsai's homilies and school tradition.
Content: Narsai helped consolidate the exegetical and christological language proper to the East Syriac school.
Use in debate: It is an important source for the theological school and the tradition's christology.

Theodore of Mopsuestia in Eastern Reception

assyrian-church-of-the-east,theodore-of-mopsuestia,exegesis,theology

An author of great influence on the tradition's exegesis and theology.

Reference: Theodore of Mopsuestia in his reception within the East Syriac tradition.
Content: The tradition valued his biblical commentaries and theological categories, influencing the school of the East.
Use in debate: It is important for the exegetical school and Eastern christology.