Abstract

Recent studies ascribe the proposal of a Christian presence which was alternative to the intransigent and 'sectarian' one - supported by the coeval ecclesiastical hierarchies - to the major monastic authors of the syro-oriental Church, between the VII and VIII century. The essay verifies this thesis through the study of the life and work of Isaac of Niniveh, who is considered the most representative figure of that supposed movement. After a fine reconstruction of his biographical context and a brief overview of the different positions that characterized the attitude of his Church towards heresy, the essay examines some of his most quoted and most debated texts.