Gregory the Great: Ascetic, Pastor, and First Man of Rome

by George E. Demacopoulos

Gregory the Great (bishop of Rome from 590 to 604) is one of the most significant figures in the history of Christianity. His theological works framed medieval Christian attitudes toward mysticism, exegesis, and the role of the saints in the life of the church. The scale of Gregory's administrative activity in both the ecclesial and civic affairs of Rome also helped to make possible the formation of the medieval papacy. Gregory disciplined malcontent clerics, negotiated with barbarian rulers, and oversaw the administration of massive estates that employed thousands of workers. Scholars have often been perplexed by the two sides of Gregory―the monkish theologian and the calculating administrator. George E. Demacopoulos's study is the first to advance the argument that there is a clear connection between the pontiff's thought and his actions. By exploring unique aspects of Gregory's ascetic theology, wherein the summit of Christian perfection is viewed in terms of service to others, Demacopoulos argues that the very aspects of Gregory's theology that made him distinctive were precisely the factors that structured his responses to the practical crises of his day. With a comprehensive understanding of Christian history that resists the customary bifurcation between Christian East and Christian West, Demacopoulos situates Gregory within the broader movements of Christianity and the Roman world that characterize the shift from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages. This fresh reading of Gregory's extensive theological and practical works underscores the novelty and nuance of Gregory as thinker and bishop.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Theology, History

236 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2015

Reviews

[Kristian Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this primarily for my Cappadocian Fathers final paper but it was a seriously good read nonetheless. Professor D’s focus on Gregory’s asceticism and its connection to his pastoral vision was something I had never seen argued before and yet it was wholly convincing.

[Ryan Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

An important study of Gregory as both theologian and administrator. It may not be the best book for beginners to the topic, since it's not a straightforward biography of the pope, but after something like Consul of God: The Life and Times of Gregory the Great, it would provide a nice follow up.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pope Gregory the Great was a fascinating historical character. He was pope in a very troubled time, 590-604 as Rome was under attack by Lombard invaders. A humane man dedicated to a ascetic life that included service to others, Gregory stepped into the vacuum of authority and re-shaped the papacy to be a civil and ecclesiastical institution.

[Nathan Pyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, but I was hoping for a comprehensive biography.... interesting that he believed in infant Damnation....(I sure dont!)

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

dang, what a bro. I'm really inspired by the life and impact of Gregory the Great. sometimes when life sucks you get a leader far better than you can imagine or deserve.