John Behr – Gregory of Nyssa: On the Human Image of God
Feb 5, 2025
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Join John Behr, Regis Professor of Humanity, as he delves into the profound theological insights of Gregory of Nyssa. He busts open the challenges of translating ancient texts, revealing the artistry involved in capturing their essence. The discussion explores humanity's relationship with the divine image, gender roles in creation, and the significance of virtue and free will. With a touch of humor, Behr shares personal reflections and the evolution of theological thought, all while highlighting Nyssa's lasting influence on early Christianity.
Father John Behr emphasizes the meticulous nature of translation work, requiring deep engagement with original manuscripts and critical text analysis.
Gregory of Nyssa's theological anthropology presents humanity as the midpoint between the divine and the irrational, highlighting the duality of male and female existence.
Gregory's teachings frame human life as a constant metamorphosis, inviting reflection on growth in alignment with divine purpose and community.
Deep dives
Translation Journey and Challenges
Translation work is a complex and meticulous endeavor that requires attentive engagement with the source material. Father John Baer shares that his journey into translation began during his doctoral studies, where he first tackled translating Irenaeus, which required him to learn Armenian. Each translation engages the translator on multiple levels, compelling them to think critically about the text and to consider every word's nuance. The intricacies of creating a critical edition demand an intimate familiarity with various manuscripts, allowing translators to capture the original author's intention while making the text accessible for modern readers.
Exploring Gregory of Nyssa
Gregory of Nyssa, a significant figure in early Christian theology, comes from an illustrious family, including his brother St. Basil the Great. His works, particularly on human anthropology, delve deeply into questions of human existence, divine intention, and the relationship between male and female as part of that dynamic. His writings emphasize the complexity of being human, approaching the subject not only in theological terms but through a lens that recognizes the physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of humanity. This exploration positions Gregory as a vital thinker, who synthesizes classical thought with a Christian worldview, shaping an understanding of what it means to be created in the image of God.
Gregory's Anthropology: Humanity and the Divine
In his theological anthropology, Gregory argues for the human being as the 'midpoint' between the divine and the irrational, emphasizing the coalescence of bodily existence and rationality. This perspective allows him to address the inherent conflict of recognizing humanity's divine image amid the chaos observed in the world. He asserts that the character of humans—male and female—is pivotal in exhibiting the divine image, making them the epitome of creation designed for a purpose. Furthermore, he posits that the essence of humanity is not solely about existence but about moving towards a union with the divine, challenging traditional interpretations of human nature throughout theological history.
The Role of Male and Female in Divine Design
Gregory offers a profound insight into why God created humanity as male and female, suggesting that this duality serves a greater purpose in the divine scheme. Rather than viewing male and female existence merely as a byproduct of the fall or as a means for procreation, Gregory frames it within the context of forming the body of Christ. This understanding reveals that humanity, in its entirety, is designed to exemplify God's image, with both males and females contributing towards this collective representation. Gregory's interpretation posits that the divine complex nature of being male and female is essential for fulfilling God's intention for humanity to multiply and thrive within the framework of divine love and community.
Movement, Change, and the Human Experience
Throughout Gregory's teachings, there is a notable emphasis on movement and change as integral parts of the human experience, suggesting that life is a constant metamorphosis. He connects these concepts to a spiritual understanding of existence, wherein bodily experiences like sleep and wakefulness serve as metaphors for the broader human journey. The recognition of fluctuating states—that which is neither always active nor always at rest—invites a reflection on the nature of growth and development in relation to God. This dynamic understanding of human existence challenges static portrayals of life and positions each individual as an active participant in the ongoing process of becoming more fully human in alignment with divine purpose.
Episode: In this episode we welcome back Fr John Behr! Long-time listeners will be familiar with Fr John’s delightful live two-part episode on Origen of Alexandria (Part 1 & Part 2). […]
