I admit I have only just begun reading about Cyril of Alexandria, and I am currently reading his famous work On the Unity of Christ (trans. John A. McGuckin), but am I alone in thinking that while he appears to have been a great theologian he was also a political monster? He was in constant conflict with pagans and Jews. He had mobs of monks striking fear into the hearts of his opponents. He seems to have supported the murder of a female philosopher as the final defeat of “idolatry” in Alexandria. He was part of the disposal of two bishops of Constantinople–John Chrysostom and Nestorius–partially for legitimate reasons but also in part because he feared Constantinople overshadowing Alexandria.
All that being said, do we have any Cyril scholars out there who can tell me why I should like this man (other than his defeat of Nestorianism)?
the archives near Emmaus 
I can’t tell you much about his personal life or character, but I think of all the church fathers, he had the most insight into the incarnation. Unfortunately intellect and insight don’t always parallel moral sensibilities!
There is no doubt he was an important theological mind. It is just hard to stomach some of his political behavior!
Hmm, I always thought it was Dioscorus who had the mobs of monks threatening the people. I recall that at the Council of Ephesus, one of those on the side of orthodoxy died due to injuries inflicted by the mobster monks. But I do recall Cyril as pretty aggressive against Nestorius.
@JohnDave,
I am sure Cyril was not the only one to use monk mobs. Both authors I have read mention his connections to such actions.
You’re right, Brian. I just read about Cyril and his mob.
I think we should get a mob to rule over Portland.
We do have quite a few monasteries here: Mount Angel and the one in Lafayette come immediately to mind.
No other reason needed! 😉
Brian,
Little difference between him and Calvin and the other reformers, as the history tells us.
We have to take the good with the bad.
This is true.