Eunomios, ein Meister des Wortes? Das Lob der Gegner und dessen Ambivalenz

german

2025

volume 7, issue 2

4th-5th century   ambivalence of praise   Cappadocian Church Fathers   church historians   Philostorgius   Rufinus   Socrates Scholasticus   Sozomen

Založba Univerze v Ljubljani
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

This article offers a chronological overview of the reactions of the Cappadocian Church Fathers – Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa – to the Anomoean doctrine of Eunomius, as well as the portrayal of their dispute in the accounts of fourth­ and early fifth­century church historians: Socrates Scholasticus, Sozomen, Rufinus, and Philostorgius. Particular attention is devoted to Eunomius’ linguistic and dialectical prowess because it appears that these very abilities earned him a certain distinction even among his pro­Nicene adversaries, despite his position as one of the leading advocates of the pro­Arian cause. Although the Arian dispute was formally conclu­ded at the Council of Constantinople in 381, divisions persisted into the first half of the fifth century between pro­Nicene historians and those sympathetic to the pro­Arian orientation. Consequently, their evaluations of Eunomius are inevitably shaped by their theological commitments. Yet, irrespective of the side these authors supported, all concur in portraying Eunomius as a great master of words. At first glance, this appears to be a strength acknowledged even by his oppo­nents, but in reality this is not the case; their praise functions as a subtle yet devastating critique aimed at Eunomius’ complete discreditation.

20.10.2026