Ancient and Medieval Cyprian the Bishop. By J. Patout Burns, Jr. (London and New York: Routledge. 2002. Pp. xi, 240. $29.95 paperback.) Burns's monograph is concentrated on the development of the theology of Cyprian in the middle of the third century, especially of the theology of the forgiveness of the (major) sin of apostasy, of the unity of the (one and holy) church, of the sacrament of baptism/confirmation. But whilst it takes us through, in exemplary detail and with exemplary patience, the historical steps which entailed the enunciation within Cyprian's writings on these contemporary iss...
