Adam, Eve, and Seth : Pneumatological reflections on an unusual image in Gregory of Nazianzus's Fifth Theological Oration : Engaging the spirit
Alexander Golitzin
I have been asked to contribute this volume primarily, suspect, in order serve as voice of Christian East. While it is perhaps a little odd for California boy, and coming thus from uttermost West, present himself an Oriental, nonetheless welcome opportunity speak on behalf entire universe theological discourse which, up until recent centuries at least, took shape independently Western (Roman Catholic Protestant) traditions, and, particular, with no input whatsoever great Father theology, Augustine Hippo. It is, course, St. Augustine's elaboration defense double procession Holy Spirit Son long after saint's death (his writings were not translated into Greek end thirteenth century), provoked heated controversy between medieval Latin theologians. No single issue East including debate over nature papal primacy, has led such outpouring polemic filioque. Indeed, continues day. particular wish dive sea ink, so far my life happily avoided even wading its shores. Few things depress spirit (and occlude Spirit!) seemingly endless controversial literature beginning Carolingian divines late eighth century, now boasts history 1200 yearswith sight. What do want do, however, offer very modest suggestion why, aside more abstruse realms divine causation, quarrel one or two sources origin Trinity, rarified heights analogy intellect (mens) mutual relations Three, Eastern Christians reacted viscerally, almost instinctively, against proceeding Son. To be sure, there are lots other factors play: ancient linkage filioque legitimacy illegitimacy Byzantine empires, primacy once popes had committed themselves credal addition, simply human reality underdog asserting itself ever massive material, intellectual, institutional might West. None these interests me, least purposes essay. does, though, long, indeed unbroken tradition spirituality, especially role played by thought practice early Syria, whose Jewish roots well known lately under increasing scholarly investigation. One instance influence, only perceived, that Cappadocian Fathers-Basil Great, Gregory Nazianzus, Nyssa-whose own influence pneumatology triadology universally admitted standard fare manuals. This vast subject, necessarily brief essay allow me focus passage middle Cappadocian, called the Theologian out gratitude his enormously influential successful Five Theological Orations, given Trinitarian doctrine Constantinople just prior Ecumenical Council 381. The question comes about third way through Gregory's fifth oration, On Spirit. He struggling explain difference (ekporeusis) generation (gennesis) Son, avoid twin absurdities brothers, hand, grandfather other. point where analogies De trinitate came love gift linking Lover (Father) Beloved (the Son), intellect, will (Spirit) flowing memory intelligence (Son). …
Anglican theological review