Exemplary Ascetics: Ethical Instruction in Theodoret of Cyrrhus’s Religious History

This article reappraises Theodoret of Cyrrhus’s Religious History to show that the Syrian bishop engages his audience in a process of reflective emulation by rhetorically presenting the ascetics he describes as exemplars. In so doing, Theodoret’s sketches act as ethical stories. I highlight their cultural value and also underline their didactic function by demonstrating how the bishop invites his readers to meditate on the complex life choices the ascetics make. This prompts his audience to reassess their ideas of holiness and selfhood. Theodoret’s emphasis on critical judgement could be read as part of his practice of writing compilations with a didactic aim. It could also be viewed as a plea for thoughtful consideration during a time of significant doctrinal controversies in which he played a key role in his Antiochene network. “Antiochene” was coined by Adam Schor when describing the social networks forged between Syrian bishops and lay civil leaders. Finally, the article shows that by promoting the language of exemplarity in his text, which partially focuses on commemoration, Theodoret fulfills the desire he expresses in his Prologue: for the Religious History to become part of cultural memory.