Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)
Joel Kalvesmaki on Evagrius of Pontus, the ‘Gnostic Trilogy’, and the Origenist Controversy
May 9, 2023
Joel Kalvesmaki, expert on Evagrius of Pontus and the 'Second Origenist Controversy', discusses the life and work of the great sage, his 'gnostic trilogy', and the 'Second Origenist Controversy' which decided the fate of his opinions vis à vis Orthodoxy in the sixth century.
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Quick takeaways
- Evagrius of Pontus was a renowned philosopher and writer who developed Origen's thought and authored a 'gnostic trilogy' addressing metaphysics, scripture, and application.
- Evagrius faced controversy and condemnation after his death, with certain elements of his ideas being condemned by the 5th Ecumenical Council, yet his writings continued to influence Christian asceticism, theology, and mysticism.
Deep dives
Evagrius' Life and Background
Evagrius Apontus was a celebrated writer and theologian born in the year 345. He received his education in Pontus and Capidocia under the guidance of influential figures like Gregory of Nazianzis. After falling into a forbidden relationship, he had a transformative dream and decided to leave Constantinople. He then became a monk in Jerusalem and eventually settled in Kalia and Nittria, two monastic communities in Egypt, where he spent the last 16 years of his life.
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