Basil the Great, Gregory Nazianzen, & Gregory of Nyssa

Presentation:  March 1, 2008

Peter Bouteneff, PhD

Brief Description of Presentation

The words “mysticism” and “mystical” can mean many things. Our task in this section of the course will be to identify what the fourth through sixth century thinkers may have meant by it and how they practiced it.  We will focus on the Cappadocian Fathers -- Sts. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and Gregory of Nyssa -- together with some of the early desert fathers, and discuss their understanding of the ascetical life and the nature of prayer. We will also have in mind the connection between “mystery” and “sacrament.”

Prayer Exercise

The meditation exercise will include some prayers from the time period we are discussing. It will also introduce the Jesus Prayer, and have a short session where we will recite it silently together.

Preparation for Session and Bibliography

For lecture preparation article see the first two chapters in the classic book, Vladimir Lossky’s The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church (St Vladimir’s Seminary Press).

An article on Sacraments and Mystery might also be useful and relevant. Full reference is “The Mystery of Union: Elements in an Orthodox Sacramental Theology,” in Geoffrey Rowell, Christine Hall, eds., Gestures of God: Explorations in Sacramental Theology (London/New York: Continuum, 2004), 91-107.

About Dr. Peter Bouteneff

Peter Bouteneff, Assistant Professor of Dogmatic Theology, teaches courses in dogmatic theology, patristics, and spirituality at the St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary . He has an M.Div. from the seminary and a doctorate from Oxford University. He has worked for many years in theological dialogue, notably as Executive Secretary for Faith and Order at the World Council of Churches, and has written extensively on Orthodox relations with other churches and with the WCC.  His theological interests include Christology, ecclesiology, and anthropology, but as a great fan of music and cinema, he is also committed to exploring the connections between theology and popular culture. He conceived of and edits the popular "Foundations" series for SVS Press, to which he has contributed a volume on "dogma and truth" called Sweeter than Honey, and is currently writing a book on the early patristic reception of the Genesis creation narratives for Baker Academic Press.