James W. Halporn (1929–2011)

Cassiodorus meant this handbook for his monastery. It serves as an introduction to patristic writers and secular philosophical thought. Given that I've already read a number of handbooks of this type, there wasn't a lot that was new to me in the secular section of the book. His recommendations for the church fathers was interesting. I also enjoyed his treatise on the Soul. His negative comments on Origen were standard fare of the time--often inspired by fear, misunderstanding, jealousy and show more just plain ignorance. Cassiodorus is most likely regurgitating the invectives of other less original ecclesiastical writers. show less