Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 90 No. 4, 2020.
Preliminary communication
The Meaning of the Name »Christian« According to the Teaching of St Gregory of Nyssa
Dražen Perić
; Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Beograd, Beograd, Serbia
Dragan Radić
; Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Beograd, Beograd, Serbia
Abstract
The article discusses the understanding and interpretation of basic expressions in Christianity, such as »Christianity« and »Christian« on the basis of the theological thought of St Gregory of Nyssa. The main source of the reflection is Gregory’s work addressed to Harmonius on the meaning of the Christian name or vocation. The authors are especially pointing out the importance of correct understanding of the name or vocation of Christian. At the same time, they are discussing Gregory’s study and interpretation of the term »Christianity« that the Saint defines in the following way: Christianity consists in living according to the divine nature. Through his discussion of these topics, Gregory of Nyssa poses some fundamental questions. How is it possible for the created, weak, and limited human nature to expand itself and to reach that bliss that exists only in God? How is it possible for what is earthly to become so similar to what is heavenly when the very difference of their natures undoubtedly points to unreachable living according to the divine nature (τὸ ἀνέφικτον τῆς μιμήσεως)? In reply, Saint Gregory points out that the Gospel never invites us to compare the human nature with Divine, because this would be pointless and impossible, but that this has primarily to do with good works and »good energies« (ἀγαθὰς ἐνεργείας); of course, to the extent that this is possible for a human being. One has to live according to the divine nature only in those things that are possible to a human being; primarily through following God in human activity and good energies, i.e., in concrete life and behaviour.
Keywords
Christianity; Christian; Gregory of Nyssa; Divine nature; looking up; living.
Hrčak ID:
254569
URI
Publication date:
23.12.2020.
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