Gregory of Nyssa's Doctrinal Works: A Literary Study

by Andrew Radde-Gallwitz

Gregory of Nyssa is firmly established in today's theological curriculum and is a major figure in the study of late antiquity. Students encounter him in anthologies of primary sources, in surveys of Christian history and perhaps in specialized courses on the doctrine of the Trinity, eschatology, asceticism, or the like. Gregory of Nyssa's Doctrinal Works presents a reading of the works in Gregory's corpus devoted to the dogmatic controversies of his day. Andrew Radde-Gallwitz focuses as much on Gregory the writer as on Gregory the dogmatic theologian. He sets both elements not only within the context of imperial legislation and church councils of Gregory's day, but also within their proper religious context-that is, within the temporal rhythms of ritual and sacramental practice. Gregory himself roots what we call Trinitarian theology within the church's practice of baptism. In his dogmatic treatises, where textbook accounts might lead one to expect much more on the metaphysics of
substance or relation, one finds a great deal on baptismal grace; in his sermons, reflecting on the occasion of baptism tends to prompt Trinitarian questions.

324 pages, Hardcover

Published July 31, 2018

Reviews

[Alicia Rushton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I regret somewhat that I had had read so little of Gregory’s primary works before reading this as a greater familiarity would probably have helped me get more out of it. Nevertheless, it was an interesting and enjoyable read. Some of the discussions on the dating or ordering of various works was less interesting to me than the theological evaluations but I always respect and appreciate Radde-Gallwitz’s thoroughness.) He seems quite careful to present his assumptions and educated guesses as such and mentions alternative theories and rationales. Moreover, he has a way with words that I just love. I was thankful to have recently read Michel Renè Barnes book on Gregory’s Trinitarian theology as his emphasis on power and activities in relation to essence came up repeatedly. I really enjoyed Radde-Gallwitz’ commentary on Gregory’s various works and probably the main argument of Gregory’s that stood out to me was his emphasis on the traditional baptismal formula (Matt. 28:19) received from Christ as Trinitarian evidence, most specifically regarding the Holy Spirit. In response to opponents such as Appollinarius, Gregory had much to say about human nature and the incarnation which I also found interesting even if trying to recall the arguments and logic after reading is difficult for me. One point specifically though, he keeps returning to is the significance of baptism. Radde-Gallwitz states that Gregory’s Christology “traces the soul’s healing to its imitation of Christ’s death through baptism.” In the concluding paragraph, the author states,” For Gregory, the task of Christian oratory is to represent questions and objections addressed to the faith and to summon the rich trove of scriptural imagery and cultural eloquence in offering responses.” After reading this book, I would say that Gregory definitely engaged in exactly that pursuit.