Nicene Era
Against Eunomius, On the Soul and the Resurrection & Life of Moses
Gregory of Nyssa · c. 380 – 394
Historical Context
The youngest of the Cappadocian Fathers and brother of Basil, Gregory wrote after the Council of Constantinople (381) and reshaped Christian metaphysics and mysticism.
Summary
Against Eunomius defends Nicene Trinitarianism against a radical Arian; On the Soul and the Resurrection is a Christian Phaedo with his sister Macrina; the Life of Moses gives a deeply mystical reading of the Exodus as the soul's endless ascent into God (epektasis).
Major Themes
- Apophatic theology
- Mystical ascent (epektasis)
- Trinity
- Universal scope of Christ's saving work
Important Quotations
“Concepts create idols; only wonder grasps anything.”— Life of Moses 2
Related Timeline Events
Primary Sources
Further Reading
- Morwenna Ludlow, Gregory of Nyssa, Ancient and (Post)modern