Papers by Miriam Adan Jones
All papers of this open access journal can be accessed and downloaded at: http://www.medievalworl... more All papers of this open access journal can be accessed and downloaded at: http://www.medievalworlds.net.
This essay explores the possibility that the vernacular (Old English) may have been used in the b... more This essay explores the possibility that the vernacular (Old English) may have been used in the baptismal rite in Anglo-Saxon England before the middle of the eighth century. Statements made by Bede (d.735) and Boniface (d. 754), provisions in the Canons of the Council of Clofesho (747) and the probable existence of a lost Old English exemplar for the ‘Old Saxon’ or ‘Utrecht’ baptismal promise (Palatinus latinus 755, fols 6v–7r), all suggest that it was. The use of the vernacular was most attractive in a context of ongoing Christianization, where the faith commitment of the baptizand was foregrounded and his or her understanding of the rite correspondingly highly valued. Later, the shift of focus towards the correct pronunciation of the Trinitarian formula and the increase of general knowledge about the baptismal rite reduced the impetus for translation, and Latin became the standard language of baptism. The translation and non-translation of the baptismal rite reflect broader concerns about the place of the Church of the English and its ethnic and cultural particularity within the universal Church, and particularly its relationship with Rome.
This essay will appear in vol. 53 (2017) of Studies in Church History (http://www.journals.cambridge.org/StudCH). The accepted manuscript can be viewed at: http://hdl.handle.net/1871/55147.
Conference Presentations by Miriam Adan Jones
This paper explores the clashes between the Anglo-Saxon missionary Boniface and the Franks among ... more This paper explores the clashes between the Anglo-Saxon missionary Boniface and the Franks among whom he worked. Boniface is sometimes characterized as a reformer who sought to impose his own 'English' brand of Christianity upon the Frankish church. The paper first surveys the complaints against continental Christians mentioned in Boniface’s correspondence and his earliest Vita, focusing on Boniface’s depiction of the Frankish church as worldly. It then turns to Frankish sources in order to tease out whether these complaints point to cultural differences, or conflict lines of another nature. It argues that there is a cultural element to Boniface’s complaints, but that another and equally important conflict line ran within the Frankish church between those who embraced and those who resisted reform efforts.
Searches sources connected with the Anglo-Saxon missions, particularly the correspondence of Boni... more Searches sources connected with the Anglo-Saxon missions, particularly the correspondence of Boniface, for evidence of a sense of ethnic election among the missionaries. Argues that both 'ethnicity' and 'election' show up in the sources as fluid concepts that can be put to a variety of uses.
Explores the relationships between Anglo-Saxon missionaries and their Saxon and Frisian prospecti... more Explores the relationships between Anglo-Saxon missionaries and their Saxon and Frisian prospective converts, and their Frankish and Roman patrons, with special attention to what Anthony D. Smith has called "the myth of ethnic election" (Smith, 2003).
What does Gregory the Great's use of Origen in his Expositio in Canticum canticorum reveal of the... more What does Gregory the Great's use of Origen in his Expositio in Canticum canticorum reveal of the authority accorded to Origen as exegete and theologian? This paper first surveys the literature positing the reliance of Gregory the Great's Expositio on Origen's commentary and homilies on the Song of Songs. It discusses both general hermeneutical principles and specific themes shared by Gregory and Origen. Next, it describes doctrinal differences that become apparent from the texts, highlighting in particular the themes connected to the accusations of heresy directed at Origen and origenism in the fourth and sixth centuries. The final section of the paper discusses what Gregory's use of Origen tells us about his understanding of Origen's authority, arguing that Gregory's critical use of Origen reflects his general understanding of scripture as inexhaustible and human teachers as fallible.
Examines Gregory's missionary advice in his letter to Mellitus against the backdrop of his theolo... more Examines Gregory's missionary advice in his letter to Mellitus against the backdrop of his theological works, especially his commentary on the Song of Songs.
Book Reviews by Miriam Adan Jones
Journal of Reformed Theology 7/1, 2013
Event by Miriam Adan Jones
Uploads
Papers by Miriam Adan Jones
This essay will appear in vol. 53 (2017) of Studies in Church History (http://www.journals.cambridge.org/StudCH). The accepted manuscript can be viewed at: http://hdl.handle.net/1871/55147.
Conference Presentations by Miriam Adan Jones
Book Reviews by Miriam Adan Jones
Event by Miriam Adan Jones
This essay will appear in vol. 53 (2017) of Studies in Church History (http://www.journals.cambridge.org/StudCH). The accepted manuscript can be viewed at: http://hdl.handle.net/1871/55147.