Cosmological allegoresis of Greek myth in Theophilus of Antioch's Ad Autolycum

This dissertation is an investigation into Theophilus of Antioch's use of cosmological allegoresis of Greek myth in Ad Autofycum. It serves two purposes: (1) it contributes to our understanding of the mythological interpretation by Theophilus and the other second century Christian apologists, and (2) it concludes that the purpose for Theophilus' use of cosmological allegoresis of Greek myth is to portray Hellenistic cosmo-theological ideas as foils to those he associates with Scripture. The first chapter surveys previous research on Ad Autofycum, its apologetic argument and its use of mythology. The evidence for evaluating Theophilus' use of cosmological allegoresis is then examined in two parts: Part One establishes the historical context for the study in two chapters: Chapter two includes Graeco-Roman attitudes toward myth, advocates of 'barbarian' myth, cosmo- theological readers and the place of cosmological allegoresis; Chapter three surveys Jewish and Christian use of cosmological allegoresis and interpretations of Genesis in the doctrinal history of the ontological relationship of God and matter. Part Two assesses Theophilus' use of cosmological allegoresis in two chapters: chapter four shows how cosmological allegoresis fits his apologetic argument and examines his interpretations; Chapter five shows how Theophilus contrasts the myths and Scripture and portrays Autolycus as a cosmo-theological interpreter of myth. Finally, chapter six provides a general summary of the dissertation and its conclusions. This dissertation concludes that the purpose for Theophilus' use of cosmological allegoresis of Greek myth is to portray Hellenistic cosmo-theological ideas which serve as foils to those he associates with Scripture. It also explores several implications for current scholarship and provides a prospective for future study in this area.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo