ΘΕΩΡΊΑ: THE VISION OF GOD, IN THE TEACHING OF ST. GREGORY OF NYSSA (original) (raw)

2015, International Journal of Communication Research

The term θεωρία had a great importance in the thinking of Saint Gregory of Nyssa. According to Gregory, θεωρία may refer to consideration of something, things meditated upon, or actual contemplation. In the teachings of Saint Gregory, we can distinguish, according to Jean Daniélou and Giulio Maspero, three fundamental places, linked to each other, where this notion is used: a) scientific knowledge, b) exegetical method, and c) mystical contemplation. In its most properly scientific use, θεωρία assumes a signification similar to that of examination, research, study, philosophy. In certain passages, it can be opposed to the material sense while, in others, it refers to the comprehension of the literal sense in itself, that is to the concatenation of events (ἱστoρικὴ θεωρία). Gregory differs from the exegetes who preceded him, since he treats scientific knowledge of the Word of God, and not only its mystical knowledge. In its religious sense, as contemplation, this is the way of looking at human realities from the perspective of the celestial ones. Having been purified and having achieved purity in moral virtues, the human being is led to the vision of God.