John Behr – Gregory of Nyssa: On the Human Image of God

Feb 5, 2025

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.

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INSIGHT

Gregory's Positive View on Gender

Gregory's treatment of male and female in the image of God is positive, not a consequence of the fall.
He sees male and female as essential for the multiplication and unity of the human race as the body of Christ.

INSIGHT

Gregory Uses Plato's Timaeus

Gregory structures his work following Plato's Timaeus dialogue, filling its form with Christian content.
This approach integrates creation, cosmos, and the human being in a dynamic theological anthropology.

INSIGHT

Humanity as Midpoint and Totality

Gregory views humans as the midpoint uniting the divine rational and irrational animal nature.
The image of God is the whole human race across time, culminating in Christ as the body’s head.

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On the Human Image of God

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John Behr

Hexamaron

Saint Basil the Great

Origins on First Principles

together with an extensive introduction

Origen of Alexandria

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.

Athanasius on the Incarnation

Athanasius

Against Heresies

On the Detection and Overthrow of the So-Called Gnosis

Irenaeus

Written around 180 AD, 'Against Heresies' is a five-book treatise that identifies and refutes various schools of Gnosticism and other heretical Christian thought. Irenaeus argues against the interpretations of scripture by Gnostics such as Valentinus and Marcion, and defends the orthodox Christian tradition. The work is historically significant as one of the earliest unambiguous attestations of the canonical gospel texts and some of the Pauline epistles. It remains a crucial source for understanding early Christian theology and the doctrines of Gnosticism.

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].

Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.