The sacrificial shepherd: the effects of crisis on early Christian pastoralism and ecclesiology as seen in Ignatius of Antioch
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Authors
Savage, Ryan Patrick
Issue Date
2020
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Ecclesiology , Pastoral Power , Ignatius of Antioch , Apostolic Fathers , Michel Foucault , Persecution , Institutionalization , Monepiscopacy , Second Century C.E. , Asia Minor
Alternative Title
Abstract
At the beginning of the second century C.E., Christian churches exhibited varied and diverse
ecclesiologies. Out of this diversity comes the voice of Ignatius of Antioch, whose seven letters to the
churches in Asia Minor promote a single ecclesiology—the monepiscopacy. The language used by
Ignatius is strong enough to warrant an investigation into why he was so adamant about his particular
vision for ecclesiology.
Using the social theory of pastoral power, as presented by the twentieth-century French philosopher
and social theorist, Michel Foucault, this study seeks to delineate the motivations behind Ignatius’s
call to the monepiscopacy. By examining Ignatius as a pasteur—in the Foucauldian sense—not only
can his motivations be discovered, but important insight into the early institutionalization of pastoral
power can be seen.
Chapter One attempts to clarify the significance of this study. There is also a brief investigation into
the state of scholarship on Ignatius until present. Much work has been done by scholars regarding
Ignatius of Antioch. Examining their work enables this study to explore different territory related to
Ignatius and his commitment to the monepiscopacy.
Chapter Two begins to set a foundation for understanding pastoral power as both Foucault explained
it and traces the ancient biblical roots of pastoral power. Looking at the biblical narrative from a
macrocosmic view, a pattern of pastoral calls from God and from earthly leaders is prevalent. In
addition, the internalization of the pastoral themes is also examined. The transition of these pastoral
themes to the early Christians will also be studied.
Chapter Three investigates a major theme in Ignatius’s writing, namely unity. This is done through
the lens of the pastoral response to conflict. It is clear in Ignatius’s epistles that there has been
significant conflict to which he responds. Unity can be seen as safety in the context of both keeping
the church together, but also keeping it safe from outside harm, whether ideological or physical.
Chapter Four then examines another force being exerted against Ignatius and his church, namely
persecution. Persecution has always been the narrative of the early church. An examination into the nature and scope of this persecution reveals that there was actually more leniency within the Roman
Empire than the Christian discourse shows. In light of this, Ignatius’s martyrdom takes on a different
light than simply the casualty of rampant persecution. Instead, the martyrdom takes on salvific
qualities for his flock. This is symbolized most prevalently in his discourse on the eucharist.
Chapter Five summarizes the work of this thesis. It also summarizes the conclusions drawn from the
preceding chapters. Also, the limitations of this study are declared. Finally, suggested opportunities
for further research based on the findings in this thesis are provided.
Particularly vibrant in this investigation is the effect of crisis on early Christian ecclesiology. By
responding to the two greatest threats to the early church, namely heresy and persecution, Ignatius’s
pastoral instincts become the basis for his call for the monepiscopacy. This will become one of the
dominant forms of church governance to this day.