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Popular Patristics Series #23
On God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations and Two Letters to Cledonius
Gregory of Nazianzus, "The Theologian," was recognized among the Cappadocian Fathers as a peculiarly vivid and quotable exponent of the doctrine of God in Trinity. A brilliant orator and accomplished poet, he placed before the Church his interpretation of the sublime mystery of the God revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These five sermons, probably delivered as a series at the small chapel of the Resurrection in Constantinople, where Gregory was the bishop in charge of loyal "Nicenes," contain Gregory's penetrating teaching. The English translation aims to capture for the present-day reader something of the atmosphere of intellectual excitement and spiritual exhilaration experienced by his first listeners. In addition, this work contains a new translation of Gregory's letters to Cledonius, which contain more focused reflections on the person of Jesus Christ, laying the groundwork for later Christology.
Frederick Williams, professor of Greek at the Queen's University in Belfast, translated the first oration. Lionel Wickham, formerly Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at Cambridge, translated the other four orations and the two letters to Cledonius.
Frederick Williams, professor of Greek at the Queen's University in Belfast, translated the first oration. Lionel Wickham, formerly Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at Cambridge, translated the other four orations and the two letters to Cledonius.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 379
About the author
Gregory of Nazianzus
279 books38 followersGregory of Nazianzus (Greek: Γρηγόριος ὁ Ναζιανζηνός Grēgorios ho Nazianzēnos; c. 329–25 January 390), also known as Gregory the Theologian or Gregory Nazianzen, was a 4th-century Archbishop of Constantinople, and theologian. He is widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. As a classically trained orator and philosopher he infused Hellenism into the early church, establishing the paradigm of Byzantine theologians and church officials.
Gregory made a significant impact on the shape of Trinitarian theology among both Greek- and Latin-speaking theologians, and he is remembered as the "Trinitarian Theologian". Much of his theological work continues to influence modern theologians, especially in regard to the relationship among the three Persons of the Trinity. Along with the brothers Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers.
Gregory is a saint in both Eastern and Western Christianity. In the Roman Catholic Church he is numbered among the Doctors of the Church; in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches he is revered as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs, along with Basil the Great and John Chrysostom.
He is also one of only three men in the life of the Orthodox Church who have been officially designated "Theologian" by epithet, the other two being St. John the Theologian (the Evangelist), and St. Symeon the New Theologian.
Gregory made a significant impact on the shape of Trinitarian theology among both Greek- and Latin-speaking theologians, and he is remembered as the "Trinitarian Theologian". Much of his theological work continues to influence modern theologians, especially in regard to the relationship among the three Persons of the Trinity. Along with the brothers Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers.
Gregory is a saint in both Eastern and Western Christianity. In the Roman Catholic Church he is numbered among the Doctors of the Church; in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches he is revered as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs, along with Basil the Great and John Chrysostom.
He is also one of only three men in the life of the Orthodox Church who have been officially designated "Theologian" by epithet, the other two being St. John the Theologian (the Evangelist), and St. Symeon the New Theologian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
October 1, 2020
Greg is the verifiable man.
Rarely does Trinitarian theology crack me up, but my boy Greg kills the absolute game.
In all seriousness, this is a work of satirical, rhetorical art.
Rarely does Trinitarian theology crack me up, but my boy Greg kills the absolute game.
In all seriousness, this is a work of satirical, rhetorical art.
February 5, 2025
Bro: on God bro?
Gregory: bro on God AND Christ bro
Gregory: bro on God AND Christ bro
January 10, 2018
I don’t think I was prepared for the humor in this book; St. Gregory is hilariously sarcastic in these orations. I also don’t think I was prepared for the clarity and sophistication of his thought. I cannot comprehend why the works of the patristics are not discussed and explored more often. I get the fact that they are men, who are thus mixed bags (e.g., I read Gregory, and I totally get why Eastern Christianity went down the theosis path), but our historic creeds didn’t come out of a vacuum, and the church fathers who labored at them did serious, conservative, reverent theological work to arrive where they did. The reverence of “On God and Christ” for today is shocking.
November 13, 2023
Gregory was worth the hype. These sermons are theologically rich but still understandable. These works are all centered on the Trinity and the Divine/human nature of Christ. He defends both doctrines from heresy with some of the best and clear explanations I’ve ever heard. He even manages to work in some jokes. What a gift to still be able to read these sermons.
March 5, 2024
St Gregory’s discussion of who should discuss theology (and when and how) is just... wow
April 8, 2026
These five orations were very theological. Specifically, they were theology about Cledonius, which I think is a Greek word about something to do with theology, orations, God or Christ.
November 8, 2025
St. Basil's contemporary Gregory, also of the 300s AD, historically. Refreshing to get a glimpse into some of the oldest documented Christian, extra-biblical writings. One of the biggest encouragements is that these doctrines (trinity, divinity of Jesus incarnate...etc.) were clearly set forth from the earliest Christian witness. Just a couple generations down and we have codified, theological discussions between established Biblical scholars.
Similar to reading Gregory's contemporary St. Basil a few weeks ago, Gregory here also refuses to pull any punches. His bold and direct approach is possible due to his complete confidence in the Scriptures and the truth within. One of my favorites, from the Oration 29 as he calls out those who consider Jesus entirely separate from the Father:
"Make your choice of the alternative blasphemies, you empty-headed theologian, since you are fully intent on blaspheming."
Similar to reading Gregory's contemporary St. Basil a few weeks ago, Gregory here also refuses to pull any punches. His bold and direct approach is possible due to his complete confidence in the Scriptures and the truth within. One of my favorites, from the Oration 29 as he calls out those who consider Jesus entirely separate from the Father:
"Make your choice of the alternative blasphemies, you empty-headed theologian, since you are fully intent on blaspheming."
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November 22, 2024gotta love Greg
January 23, 2024
While I was reading through Nick Needham's volume 1 of 2000 Years of Christ's Power, this work by Gregory of Nazianzus was recommended for reading concerning the trinity. In this short book, Nazianzus addresses God's eternal nature, the personhood of each person of the divine trinity, and several heresies already in circulation (ie Sabellianism; the belief that God is one person, who appears as three different modes of the one person, the Father, Son, and Spirit). Nazianzus distinguishes between the persons of the godhead by using terms "unbegotten", "only-begotten", and "what proceeds from the Father and the Son" to describe God the Father (unbegotten), the Son (the only-begotten), and the Spirit (what proceeds from the Father and the Son). The language that orthodox Christians use today for the Divine Trinity clearly come from Nazianzus' thoughts and works.
September 23, 2023
Gregory is savage and hilarious in his attack against the Eunomian heretics. He argues with precision and beauty. He's purposefully long-winded at times (he tells us this was the rhetorical style of his day), but he always ties it back into the main argument. Gregory's Theological Orations are splendid reflections on the powers and limitations of human reason, the necessity of faith, and the proper use of Scripture.
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October 2, 2023One of my favorite books I've read this year. If I could recommend one church father to read it would be my boy Gregory. His style is akin to Martin Luther. Gives some great illustrations and thoughts on the covenants in Scripture.
July 28, 2025
Dense. Challenging. Rewarding. Gregory says more in a paragraph than most contemporary writers can say in a chapter or even an entire book. Paragraphs 19–20 in Oration 29 are reason enough to read the whole thing.
September 6, 2024
A fascinating read, he was definitely a fiery priest.
September 30, 2024
Gregory was a savage
March 8, 2024
St. Gregory is the most rambunctious of the Church Father’s I’ve read so far, which made this a surprisingly fun and invigorating read.
October 13, 2021
Taking the time to sit under St Gregory’s teaching on the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit cultivates a heart of worship and love of a Triune God.
The second oration included brought me to tears as it relentlessly described the majesty, grandeur, and beauty of the Father. Humorous in the way that Gregory refutes those who are against his views, it is often laughable the way he deals with the heretics and impious theologians of his time.
The first oration included in this book should be prerequisite reading for all seminary students; for the conversation of theology should have a time and a place and not become the forefront of all word and speech.
The second oration included brought me to tears as it relentlessly described the majesty, grandeur, and beauty of the Father. Humorous in the way that Gregory refutes those who are against his views, it is often laughable the way he deals with the heretics and impious theologians of his time.
The first oration included in this book should be prerequisite reading for all seminary students; for the conversation of theology should have a time and a place and not become the forefront of all word and speech.
May 21, 2026
Read orations 3-5. Oration 3 being all about ways to approach theology, 4 being about Christ and his many names and attributes and distinctions from God the Father, and oration 5 all about the Holy Spirit. I probably enjoyed oration the most! This is a helpful work to better understand the Trinity and worth revisiting later! Also has some funny jabs at ancient opponents of orthodox Trinitarian formulations
October 18, 2025
This work is so important. Gregory’s sermons are incredibly rich, including a careful exposition of the truth that eternal relations of origin within the Trinity do not necessitate subordination. On my most recent read, I am especially thankful for Gregory’s instruction regarding the appropriate context for theological discussion and the necessity for personal holiness in those with the desire to pursue theological study.
October 4, 2021
Probably my favorite after Athanasius On the Incarnation. Memorable, punchy, and refreshing.
September 21, 2023
So many riches to be taken from this work!
April 8, 2026
Gets one star off for the fact that I had to read it for school lol.
December 24, 2025
An excellent classic!
August 18, 2023
Simply incredible!
March 2, 2024
“The unassumed is the unhealed.” An excellent and classic patristic work on the doctrine of God the Trinity.
September 4, 2020
Written in a Q&A format. Very clear....and he has some really fun zingers that keep you moving along. That said, the 4th Century patristics on the Trinity is what we need today. They are worth plowing through, despite their difficulty. You'll need to read with a pair of patristic lenses in order to understand how they exegete and why they ask the questions they ask of the text. (1) Read the Nicene Creed 2 or 3 times before reading and you'll understand their questions better. (2) They are concerned with, very rightly, the creator/creature distinction. IOW, God is not like us! which pushes us to ask the hard questions act the divinity of the Son and the Spirit. Either he is or he isn't divine and that is all the difference. There is an infinite distance between the creator and the created or creation. This gives us a hermeneutical key for which to read the whole of Scripture.
September 5, 2024
Great theology (though a bit too neo-platonic at times), impressive prose, but a bit of an obnoxious author.
On my second read-through (which was sort of an accident) I'm less concerned about the neo-Platonism, since I see better now how he modifies it through Scripture. I'm also struck now (likely because this was assigned for a "classics of personal devotion" course) by how, well, devotional the orations are. The primary aim in all the arguing and theologizing is awe of God's glory, shock at his incarnation, and gratefulness for his gospel.
On my second read-through (which was sort of an accident) I'm less concerned about the neo-Platonism, since I see better now how he modifies it through Scripture. I'm also struck now (likely because this was assigned for a "classics of personal devotion" course) by how, well, devotional the orations are. The primary aim in all the arguing and theologizing is awe of God's glory, shock at his incarnation, and gratefulness for his gospel.
April 12, 2021
The five theological orations of Gregory are among the best writings I have read in my seminary education and my Christian life. I will forever be in this man's debt for my understanding of the work of theology and the doctrine of God. For deeper engagement with this work, see my essay "Old Doctrine in New Clothes" on aaronvday.wordpress.com
October 4, 2016
Doing a little digging into the Cappadocian Fathers. A great piece of theology, with some excellent words toward frivolous theologians at the beginning of the First Theological Oration!
May 19, 2026
Matthew Barrett’s “Simply Trinity” had me chomping at the bit to learn more about what the old guys had to say about the Trinity closer to the time of formation, and the Theologian certainly was able to scratch that itch!
With incredible clarity, Greg gives an incredibly readable breakdown of the deity of the Son and Spirit, arguing from both scripture and reasoning. It’s fun to see him critique his opponents for marrying themselves to individual verses without context throughout each oration but using the last bit of each to bury them in a flurry of proof-texts just for a little bit of fun.
Speaking of that, the introduction describes Gregory as “catty” and he certainly doesn’t disappoint. He’s got enough sarcasm to go around. “The Theologian” is fitting but you could also call him “King of the Slams.” He seems like a great hang.
Overall, one of my favorite parts of the work was the way Gregory appeals to mystery without dodging questions. He doesn’t use God’s incomprehensibility as a reason to avoid talking about divine things, but he knows that in order to know God, we have to understand that he won’t play by our rules.
“If you have traversed the air and reckoned up all it involves, come now with me, touch heaven and things celestial. Faith rather than reason shall lead us, if that is, you have learned the feebleness of reason to deal with matters quite close at hand and have acquired enough knowledge of reason to recognize things which suppress reason.”
With incredible clarity, Greg gives an incredibly readable breakdown of the deity of the Son and Spirit, arguing from both scripture and reasoning. It’s fun to see him critique his opponents for marrying themselves to individual verses without context throughout each oration but using the last bit of each to bury them in a flurry of proof-texts just for a little bit of fun.
Speaking of that, the introduction describes Gregory as “catty” and he certainly doesn’t disappoint. He’s got enough sarcasm to go around. “The Theologian” is fitting but you could also call him “King of the Slams.” He seems like a great hang.
Overall, one of my favorite parts of the work was the way Gregory appeals to mystery without dodging questions. He doesn’t use God’s incomprehensibility as a reason to avoid talking about divine things, but he knows that in order to know God, we have to understand that he won’t play by our rules.
“If you have traversed the air and reckoned up all it involves, come now with me, touch heaven and things celestial. Faith rather than reason shall lead us, if that is, you have learned the feebleness of reason to deal with matters quite close at hand and have acquired enough knowledge of reason to recognize things which suppress reason.”
November 30, 2025
Imagine you walk into a little country church and G-Naz starts popping off like this:
"As man he was baptized, but he absolved sins as God; he needed no purifying rites himself–his purpose was to hallow water. As man he was put to the test, but as God he came through victorious— yes, bids us be of good cheer, because he has conquered the world. He hungered —yet he fed thousands. He is indeed 'living, heavenly bread.' He thirsted—yet he exclaimed: 'Whosoever thirsts, let him come to me and drink.' Indeed he promised that believers would become fountains. He was tired yet he is the 'rest' of the weary and the burdened (87).
I hope to read a lot more from him in 2026. This is a must-read for all those reading classic works on the Trinity and doctrine of God. I also hope to follow G-Naz's wisdom and not make theology small talk.
"Who should listen to discussions of theology? Those for whom it is a serious undertaking, not just another subject like any other for entertaining small-talk, after the races, the theater, songs, food, and sex: for there are people who count chatter on theology and clever deployment of arguments as one of their amusements "(27).
Two other quotes:
"Do we make life a meditation of death?" (31).
"It is more important that we should remember God than that we should breathe" (28).
"As man he was baptized, but he absolved sins as God; he needed no purifying rites himself–his purpose was to hallow water. As man he was put to the test, but as God he came through victorious— yes, bids us be of good cheer, because he has conquered the world. He hungered —yet he fed thousands. He is indeed 'living, heavenly bread.' He thirsted—yet he exclaimed: 'Whosoever thirsts, let him come to me and drink.' Indeed he promised that believers would become fountains. He was tired yet he is the 'rest' of the weary and the burdened (87).
I hope to read a lot more from him in 2026. This is a must-read for all those reading classic works on the Trinity and doctrine of God. I also hope to follow G-Naz's wisdom and not make theology small talk.
"Who should listen to discussions of theology? Those for whom it is a serious undertaking, not just another subject like any other for entertaining small-talk, after the races, the theater, songs, food, and sex: for there are people who count chatter on theology and clever deployment of arguments as one of their amusements "(27).
Two other quotes:
"Do we make life a meditation of death?" (31).
"It is more important that we should remember God than that we should breathe" (28).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews