Meeting of philosophy and theology at St. Gregory of Nyssa

Abstract

In this article, we will investigate the encounter between ancient philosophy and Christianity in the creative synthesis of St. Gregory of Nyssa. Both because of the originality of the approach and because of the clear influence of (Platonist) philosophy, Gregory?s work represents an adequate example for a general understanding of the synthesis of ancient philosophy and Christian theology. Although some other authors, such as Origen and St. Augustine could also be useful for the analysis we are undertaking, it seems that Gregory of Nyssa is a more adequate choice since, despite some concerns, he is recognized as one of the pillars of church theology, and his influence - with certain oscillations - is recognized in the entire Christian world, unlike from Origen whose work was posthumously condemned and Augustine whose influence in the East remained ephemeral.