Dive into the intriguing thoughts of Gregory of Nyssa as he unpacks humanity's reflection of the divine. Explore the soulful debates between him and Origen on creation at conception. Discover how free will and intellect shape our moral compass amidst human imperfections. The podcast also tackles the nuanced relationship between gender and divine image, challenging traditional norms. Finally, journey through the complexities of mind, body, and soul, revealing the mysteries that define our existence with a divine purpose.
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insights INSIGHT
Image of God as Virtue
Gregory of Nyssa interprets the image of God as virtues and intellect rather than physical form.
Our resemblance to God is through our ability to understand truth and exhibit virtues.
insights INSIGHT
Intellect as Mirror of God
Our intellect mirrors God's divine intellect by contemplating eternal truth.
If the intellect turns away from truth, it loses its beauty and connection to God.
insights INSIGHT
Fallenness Masks Divine Image
Human fallenness drags the soul downward through passions but doesn't erase the divine image.
The image of God remains beneath the "ugly mask" of sin and can be restored through moral progress.
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Origen's "On First Principles" is a monumental work of early Christian theology that explores fundamental questions about God, creation, and the human soul. It delves into the nature of God's being, the creation of the world, and the relationship between the divine and the material. Origen's allegorical interpretations of scripture are central to his approach, seeking deeper spiritual meanings beyond the literal text. The work also addresses issues of free will, the immortality of the soul, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. Its influence on subsequent theological thought has been profound and lasting.
On the Human Image of God
None
John Behr
Timaeus
Plato
In 'Timaeus,' Plato presents a detailed account of the formation of the universe. The dialogue is primarily delivered through long monologues by Timaeus and Critias. It describes the universe as the product of a rational, purposive, and beneficent agency, created by a divine Craftsman (Demiurge) who imitates an eternal and unchanging model. The work discusses the distinction between the eternal and the physical worlds, the composition of the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water) linked to Platonic solids, and the creation of the cosmic soul and its role in governing the universe. The dialogue also touches on various philosophical themes, including the nature of God, the distinction between the sensible and intellectual, and the concepts of time and space[1][3][5].
This is another episode in Sam and Hank’s church father’s series. This episode is about Gregory of Nyssa and his book “On the human image of God”. We mention Fr John Behr, Origen of Alexandria, Basil the Great, Eustathius, Constantine, Julian the Apostate, Macrina, Valens, Arius of Alexandria, Charles Darwin, Sigmund Freud, Plato, Philo of Alexandria, Elon Musk, John Calvin, Martin Luther, David Bentley Hart, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, and many more.
Fr. John Behr’s translation: https://www.amazon.com/Gregory-Nyssa-Human-Oxford-Christian/dp/0192843974
Transfigured 
