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Document Details : Title: 'Not Competing but Constructing Together' Subtitle: The Use and Adaptation of Basil of Caesarea for Teaching and Writing: The Cases of Cyril of Scythopolis and Theodore of Petra Author(s): MARIOTTI, Laura Journal: Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses Volume: 99 Issue: 3 Date: 2023 Pages: 445-462 DOI: 10.2143/ETL.99.3.3292100 Abstract : The article offers new evidence of a remarkably dynamic reception and adaptation of Basil of Caesarea’s writings in sixth-century Palestinian monastic milieux. More specifically, the analysis focuses on an articulated and innovative notion of authorship that emerges in Theodore of Petra’s Life of Theodosius and Cyril of Scythopolis’ Monastic Lives. Cyril and Theodore conceive Basil’s writings not merely as ancient and authoritative reservoir of quotations but rather as raw material that the authors freely recast, through adaptation, into new narrations and teachings. In this case, the theoretical and terminological framework of citation studies is not sufficient anymore to capture the engagement of the author with the old text. This engagement is that of a dynamic collaboration that results in a new text – a new building, in Theodore’s words – with dual authorship. Along with this, the present analysis offers two further contributions. Firstly, thanks to new data, this survey confirms, improves, and articulates our acquaintance with Basil’s circulation in sixth-century Palestine. Finally, the texts examined shed new light on the monastic practices of reading and interiorization of revered authors’ writings. Basil’s writings undergirded the monks’ lives and literature to the extent that influenced and directed their spiritual journey. |
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