The Clash of Sacred and Secular Authority in the Letters of Innocent I. The ecumenical significance of achieving a better understanding of the historical development of papal primacy revealed in the letters of Pope Innocent I consists in part in the promotion of core Australian values like tolerance and respect, which contributes to improved social cohesion and harmony. Examining the impact of religious values in shaping the European cultural fabric in a critical transition period enhances the c ....The Clash of Sacred and Secular Authority in the Letters of Innocent I. The ecumenical significance of achieving a better understanding of the historical development of papal primacy revealed in the letters of Pope Innocent I consists in part in the promotion of core Australian values like tolerance and respect, which contributes to improved social cohesion and harmony. Examining the impact of religious values in shaping the European cultural fabric in a critical transition period enhances the current Australian debate about the relationship between religion and politics in national life.Read moreRead less
Poverty and Welfare in Late Antiquity. Poverty and the provision of welfare are key concerns in Australia today. Many of the problems we face - refugee influxes, inflated housing costs, increased competition between charities for limited resources - are paralleled in late antiquity. This is a critical time in history that has unique things to say to Australian society today. A focussed study of this turning-point in history provides a novel perspective from which to assess the implications of cu ....Poverty and Welfare in Late Antiquity. Poverty and the provision of welfare are key concerns in Australia today. Many of the problems we face - refugee influxes, inflated housing costs, increased competition between charities for limited resources - are paralleled in late antiquity. This is a critical time in history that has unique things to say to Australian society today. A focussed study of this turning-point in history provides a novel perspective from which to assess the implications of current Australian trends, in which welfare is increasingly being devolved upon non-government organisations. It also enlarges the foundation for a dialogue on these issues, assisting in creating better solutions at both a government and non-government level.Read moreRead less
Macrina of Annesi and the Emergence of Monasticism in Central Anatolia. This project builds on extensive research into the 'Great Asketikon' of Basil the Great, the primary document of monasticism in Anatolia (modern Turkey). By using on-the-ground search for the location of Annesi (the family home of Macrina, Basil's sister), a new collation of all the sources relating to Macrina and a new collection of the letters of Gregory of Nyssa, Macrina's biographer, it aims to present a revised view of ....Macrina of Annesi and the Emergence of Monasticism in Central Anatolia. This project builds on extensive research into the 'Great Asketikon' of Basil the Great, the primary document of monasticism in Anatolia (modern Turkey). By using on-the-ground search for the location of Annesi (the family home of Macrina, Basil's sister), a new collation of all the sources relating to Macrina and a new collection of the letters of Gregory of Nyssa, Macrina's biographer, it aims to present a revised view of the emergence of this local monasticism. Two books, if not three will result: an historical monograph, 'The Book of Macrina' and 'The Letters of Gregory of Nyssa'.Read moreRead less