Grayden McCashen

Grayden McCashen holds a PhD in Religion (Historical Studies) from Emory University and a M.Phil. in Theology (Patristics) from the University of Oxford. His research on ancient Mediterranean theology, philosophy, exegesis, and society has appeared in various scholarly publications, including Journal of Theological Studies, Vigiliae Christianae, Journal for the Study of Judaism, and Journal of Ecclesiastical History, and he has taught at Candler School of Theology, Spelman College, and currently, Columbia Theological Seminary.

Abstract: Scholars have often overlooked or denied detailed, philosophically-informed discussions of the soul and the mind in early Christian writings. Yet, second-century writings contain several such discussions, which they often bring into connection with social issues in their communities. Taking this observation as a starting point, this study takes a closer look at the use that early Christians like Irenaeus make of Classical and Hellenistic philosophies of the mind and soul, their impact on early Christian societies, and the extent to which similar patterns of thought recur in Christian writings from later centuries.