Joel Kalvesmaki on Evagrius of Pontus, the ‘Gnostic Trilogy’, and the Origenist Controversy
May 9, 2023
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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.
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.
Evagrius' Writings and Contributions
Evagrius wrote extensively on various topics. He is credited with inventing the genre of chapters, known as centuries, which consist of pithy, gnomic sayings arranged in a specific order. He also wrote letters, including a controversial letter defending his departure from Constantinople and addressing trinitarian topics. Evagrius' writings cover asceticism, theology, philosophy, and scriptural interpretation. The Practicos, one of his notable works, delves into different types of temptations and provides guidance on how to recognize and overcome them. Another significant work is the Gnostakos, which explores pedagogy and how monks should teach others based on their preparedness. The Kefalae Gnostica, considered the capstone of his trilogy, consists of highly compressed language addressing metaphysics, scripture, and application.
The Controversy and Condemnation
Despite his significant influence, Evagrius faced controversy and condemnation after his death. In the 6th century, the 5th Ecumenical Council condemned certain elements associated with Evagrius, along with other figures like Origen. This condemnation led to the removal and suppression of his works. However, his ideas continued to be influential, and different translations and interpretations of his writings preserved his legacy.
Evagrius' Influence and Legacy
Evagrius' writings left a profound impact on the development of Christian asceticism, theology, and mysticism. His ideas were passed down through various authors like Pseudo-Dionysius and Isaac the Syrian. Despite the condemnation he faced, Evagrius remains a significant figure in the history of Eastern Christianity and continues to be studied and appreciated for his contributions to Christian thought.
Part I of a discussion of Evagrius of Pontus – ascetic, philosopher, developer of Origen's thought, and mystical writer – with Joel Kalvesmaki. In this episode we cover the life and work of the great sage, in particular his ‘gnostic trilogy’, and discuss the ‘Second Origenist Controversy’ which would decide the fate of his opinions vis à vis Orthodoxy in the sixth century.
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