Leyerle (University of Notre Dame) offers a captivating look into the intersection of early Christian theology and the daily lives of believers in late antiquity through the lens of Chrysostom’s suggestions for rituals to be carried out in the homes of the faithful. L. delves into John Chrysostom's writings and homilies to explore how domestic life became a focal point for moral and spiritual formation in fourth-century Antioch. By illuminating the centrality of the household in Chrysostom’s vision, the book provides an insightful understanding of how Christian values were nurtured and transmitted in the private sphere.

L. sets the stage by contextualizing Antioch as a bustling, cosmopolitan city where Christian traditions intersected with Greco-Roman social norms. The household, or oikos, emerged as both a microcosm of the church and a battlefield for the spiritual struggles of its members. Chrysostom’s sermons and writings reflect his desire to transform the home into a space of sanctity, where faith could permeate every aspect of daily life “as a way of compensating for the necessarily limited time spent in church… [in order that] the church’s impact will be greater and more durable” (98).

The book highlights themes such as marriage, child-rearing, hospitality, and the role of women in shaping the moral fabric of the family. Chrysostom’s exhortations to parents to teach their children scripture, his calls for marital harmony grounded in mutual respect, and his advocacy for household prayer and almsgiving underscore the domestic sphere's vital role in cultivating lasting Christian virtues. L. also examines the challenges and tensions of implementing these ideals, particularly in a context where societal expectations often clashed with Christian values.

L. excels in painting a vivid picture of fourth-century Antioch, weaving in archaeological, sociological, artistic, and theological perspectives. This multidimensional approach helps readers grasp the complexities of the time and place in which Chrysostom operated.

One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on how theology was lived out in everyday practices. By highlighting Chrysostom’s focus on prayer, scripture reading, and hospitality, L. demonstrates how faith was integrated into the rhythms of domestic life and shares where the faithful resisted Chrysostom’s ideas and conflict took place.
L. presents Chrysostom as a deeply pastoral figure who cared about the moral and spiritual welfare of his flock. While acknowledging his occasionally rigid or idealized views, the author frames his teachings as earnest efforts to guide a community navigating a rapidly changing world. Unlike many academic works, L.’s writing is both scholarly and approachable. Deeply rich with references and citations, the author masterfully weaves together a strong academic work that will resonate with academics and students as well. The book appeals to a wide audience, from specialists in early Christian studies to lay readers interested in the intersection of history and faith. Additionally, the summaries at the end of each chapter and the conclusions demonstrate L.’s skillful pedagogy and strong writing style. 

While the focus on domestic rituals provides depth, readers seeking a broader exploration of or introduction to Chrysostom’s theology or his influence on ecclesial practices might find the book narrowly focused. However, those elements are clearly outside the scope of the text and one can benefit from the book with no additional background or prior knowledge.

Blake Leyerle’s Christians at Home is an enlightening and engaging study that sheds light on the often-overlooked domestic aspects of early Christian life. By drawing from John Chrysostom’s teachings, L. illustrates how the home became a sacred space for nurturing faith and moral character. While the book’s specialized focus may not address every facet of Chrysostom’s thought, its insights into the transformative potential of everyday rituals are both inspiring and timeless. This work is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the historical roots of Christian family life and the enduring interplay between faith and practice and will be of interest to a wide-reaching audience.