A complete reassessment of the Messalian controversy of the 4th and 5th centuries AD, showing that it was not a question of heresy, but rather of misperceived differences of culture and spiritualism. Stewart reconstructs the history of the controversy from its beginnings, and considers in depth the spiritual vocabulary which lies at the root of it. The author draws succinct conclusions that are by no means overstated. What we see with clearer traits thanks to the author's meticulous exposition is an imperial Church still in the process of endowing itself with structures, liturgical and spiritual norms, doctrinal definitions and a clear and stately role in the world ... This is an impressive work with far reaching implications which ... open up vistas for a genuine and profound ecumenism ... the publication does honour to Oxford University and its press.