The Doctrine of Epektasis. One of the Major Contributions of Saint Gregory of Nyssa to the History of Thinking



• The Doctrine of Epektasis. One of the Major Contributions of Saint Gregory of Nyssa to the History of Thinking

  Type	Journal Article
  Author	Liviu Petcu
  Rights	© 2017 Aletheia - Associação Científica e Cultural | © 2017 Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia
  Volume	73
  Issue	2
  Pages	771-782
  Publication	Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia
  ISSN	0870-5283; 2183-461X
  Date	2017
  DOI	10.17990/rpf/2017_73_2_0771
  Language	English
  Abstract	Epektasis is the doctrine of unceasing evolution in eternal happiness. It is a teaching developed by St. Gregory of Nyssa (335-394/395 p. Chr.), this being in fact one of the most original aspects of the great Cappadocian’s way of thinking. The teaching about epektasis will gain St. Gregory of Nyssa a prominent place among all the mystical theologians. The French scholar Jean Daniélou considers this process of striving or epektasis an extremely important characteristic of the mystical theology of the great Saint. Daniélou has identified the doctrine of epektasis as being one of the major contributions that Saint Gregory has brought to the history of thinking, together with setting a different emphasis upon the social dimension of love and communion among saints. The theme of spiritual progress is therefore fundamental for St. Gregory of Nyssa. He gives it a central place, repeating it almost unceasingly, expressing it in paradoxical formulae, considering it as being a true expression of the piety of its author.
  Date Added	21/06/2017, 11:00:21
  Modified	14/07/2017, 10:03:10

  Tags:

  • epektasis
  • God
  • Gregory of Nyssa
  • progress
  • thinking
  • union

  Notes:

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