The article presents the way of using paradoxographical information regarding the matter of animals with doubtful identification in leading anti-heretical and Anti-Judaist polemic on the example of the sixth book Commentary on Isaiah by Jerome of Stridon. In the allegoric explanation of Is 13:19 - 14:1 Bethlehem monk juxtaposed widely known information about mythological creatures with the well-known story from the Book of Genesis about the conflict of Esau with Jacob. This let him explain why the followers of Judaism and heretics are the allies when it comes to fighting with the Church. Anti-Judaism and anti-heretic polemic was one of the most important topic brought up by alexandrine exegesis that Jerome was influenced by during his whole life.
The research goal the article was to present the ways of polemical fight of Cyril of Jerusalem in pre-baptismal catecheses given by him during the period of Lent. Catechumens, listening to catechetical speeches of their bishop, often learned about the existence of various theological misinterpretation. The Jerusalem shepherd noted at the beginning of his cycle of catecheses that he would pay attention to the heretical views. The bishop included an extensive description of the existing at that time false faith groups in one of the initial catechesis to sensitize the listeners to the spiritual evil introduced into their minds by heretics. The particular theological truths the bishop explained on the basis of the Articles of Faith contained in the so-called symbol of Jerusalem. In every consecutive teaching Cyril referred to these erroneous views that concerned the currently explained theological issue. Through their juxtaposition the listeners could better understand and at the same time distinguish the true interpretation of the faith from its misinterpretation. The bishop of Jerusalem turned out to be not only an outstanding theologian, but also a good polemicist, and an excellent teacher.
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