Severus of Ashmounein and the Beginnings of Arabic Christian Terminology under Flourishment of Islam in the 10th Century Egypt
2008
Abstract
The article discusses the Arabic form of the Nicene Creed as composed by Bishop Severus of Ashmounein in Fatimid Egypt, when the Coptic language gave way to the widely used Arabic and doctrinal chaos threatened to weaken the Christian faith. The twofold form of the treatise, consisting of the formula rendered by the believer, and the catechist?s explanation of the articles of faith, reflects the christological themes, vital in the rise of Islam.
The author uses argumentation from Nicene Fathers, as well as contemporary philosophical terminology.