Patristic Studies in Global Perspective

This book explores the invention, significance and actual history of self-creative freedom from Late Antiquity to the Renaissance.
Gregory of Nyssa, the great Cappadocian Father of the IV century, is not as yet deemed one of the outstanding figures in our Histories of Philosophy. However, this monograph argues that his remarkable theories of freedom transcend his own time and, traversing centuries of Medieval and Byzantine history, they become one of the core theoretical inspirations for the anthropological revolution of the Quattrocento, as evinced in eminent philosophers such as Nicholas of Cusa and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola. Our research methodology integrates a thorough study of the Greek and Latin sources ‒ resorting to Philology, Palaeography and Codicology ‒ with a systematic historical and philosophical analysis of different theories and argumentative strategies.

Este libro reconstruye el concepto de “Enfermedad y Terapéutica del alma” en la obra de Evagrio Póntico (345–399).
Revela aspectos inexplorados de su pensamiento, descubriendo la presencia original de una idea que todavía puede ser válida en la actualidad: la posibilidad de que la palabra cure el alma. En efecto, el pensador del Ponto –reapropiándose originalmente de una tradición de pensamiento Antigua y Tardoantigua– confiere a la palabra un poder terapéutico que tiene sus raíces en una concepción profunda de la enfermedad del alma. Este libro demuestra, en primer término, que la enfermedad del alma consiste, de acuerdo al Póntico, en la ignorancia de sí mismo. Posteriormente profundiza en la concepción de la palabra como recurso terapéutico para esa enfermedad. En este contexto, la figura de el gnóstico cristiano se vuelve relevante. Éste es el therapeuta que sabe usar la palabra de manera curativa.

Origen envisioned scriptural interpretation as a symbolic drama of passage with the Logos-Christ, reuniting what is originally one.
During the first three centuries C.E., σύμβολον (symbol) became a prominent term along with αἴνιγμα (enigma) and ἀλληγορία (allegory) in forming a cosmic formula popular across the Mediterrnean world: symbol encodes the divine mystery in enigmatic forms and allegory decodes them. Having considered Scripture as full of divine symbols, Origen envisioned and practiced allegorical interpretation of Scritpure as a symbolic act of bringing, comparing, and matching its letters under the divine paideia of the Logos-Christ. In seeking three levels of scriptural meaning, Origen construed the cosmos as a tripartite reality and defined the essence of Christianity as a symbolic drama of passage. For Origen, the main actor of this drama is the Logos-Christ in the divine action of gradually leading his bride (i.e., the church) from the visible reality through the invisible reality to the divine reality.

Este libro presenta un estudio exhaustivo sobre el uso teológico de las metáforas de comer y beber en la obra de Orígenes de Alejandría, considerando sus nociones fi siológicas y técnicas exegéticas. Orígenes de Alejandría es uno de los teólogos más importantes del cristianismo temprano. Su teología tiene una coherencia y profundidad que ha establecido el estándar para varios temas, como la Trinidad, la Cristología y la antropología. A través de las metáforas, realiza dos tareas desafi antes: profundizar en el misterio de Dios y comunicarlo. En este libro, el autor estudia los usos teológicos de Orígenes de las metáforas del comer y el beber, incluyendo el texto de las recientemente publicadas "Homilías sobre los Salmos". Este estudio confi rma no sólo los aspectos clásicos de la teología de Orígenes, sino que también muestra nuevas perspectivas, especialmente sobre las relaciones intratrinitarias y la reciprocidad en la relación entre Dios y los seres humanos.

In recent years, there has been significant scholarly focus on John Chrysostomʼs appropriation of ancient philosophical therapy, but relatively little attention has been devoted to his use of this medicalized discourse in relation to almsgiving. Adopting an interdisciplinary research between Greco-Roman philosophy and social ethics in early Christianity, Junghun Bae pursues a giver-centered analysis which has largely been ignored in the previous research. He argues that for Chrysostom almsgiving is one of the most powerful remedies for healing sick souls. The concept of Christianized soul therapy is a new key framework for understanding his approach to almsgiving holistically and has the potential to off er a new reading of the discourse on almsgiving in late antiquity.

Learning to discern God's will amidst false paths and temptations is essential to the Christian life. This inner struggle often creates feelings of instability, figuratively casting us into the turbulent sea of discernment—a fluctuating landscape that heightens the navigator's crisis in the face of threatening storms. Yet, when we find refuge "sheltered from the waves," we can sail toward the harbor of God's will. The core of this monograph presents the concept of διάκρισις in Diadochus of Photike as a pivotal element for understanding his Work. Readers will encounter the profound insights of a monk who, through the "university of the desert," serves as a spiritual master, guiding us to know and practice the art of discerning.