St Gregory of Nyssa - Humanity & Spirituality
“He did not make the heavens in his image, nor the moon, sun, the stars’ beauty, nor anything else you see in creation.
You alone are made in the likeness of that nature which surpasses all understanding, the image of incorruptible beauty, the impression of true divinity, receptacle of blessed life, seal of true light…
Nothing in creation can compare to your greatness.”
(Gregory of Nyssa, Commentary on the Song of Songs, Homily 2).
If you’ve ever wrestled (or are wrestling) with how you feel about being human whilst sitting in a Western pew, come and hear what Gregory has to say. Whilst not denying the reality of the worst of human nature, the Eastern Fathers, as typified by Gregory of Nyssa, also spent quite a lot of time focussing on the blessedness and potential of our being “made in the image of God” rather than our being “not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table” (as per the Anglican liturgy).
This Study Day will provide an introduction to the thought of St Gregory of Nyssa (the youngest and more mystically inclined of the three “Cappadocian Fathers”) on human nature and spirituality, which will be pitched in deliberate contrast to the contemporary views-from-some-Western-pews.
The day will commence with an introduction to the 4th century context in which St Gregory found himself, along with an overview of his life and work. This will provide a useful introduction and orientation if you’re looking to continue reading & understanding more about Gregory of Nyssa and perhaps the other Cappadocian Fathers afterwards.
The second session will set out a summary of the (often overly negative) narrative I believe can be communicated by the contemporary Western Church around what it is to be human. This will touch on the topics of shame, the language used in the liturgy, and the resulting picture of God that can be formed by the person-in-the-pew.
In the afternoon we’ll explore the contrasting views on humanity and spirituality as set out by Gregory of Nyssa. Using his text the Life of Moses as a guide we’ll dive into his understanding of what it is to be human, the importance of our image-likeness and free will, the choices set before us, our (infinite) journey into God, and the necessity of an ever changing perception of the divine. It’s really quite a different vision!
Do I need to have any previous knowledge?
Absolutely no previous knowledge of Church history or theology is assumed (although clergy or readers with some background knowledge will still find much of interest). If you’ve read all the way down to this bit and are still interested, you’re sufficiently qualified to attend!
Refreshments
We’ll take a break for lunch, but you’ll need to make your own arrangements. Being located in central Oxford there are plenty of options nearby.
Location
This Study Day is being held in the Ursell Room at Pusey House, Oxford. The entrance for Pusey House is on St Giles’ – you can try the door, but may need to press the intercom buzzer to speak to someone to gain access. Once inside, go up a few steps straight ahead of you and then turn right down the corridor. Follow this corridor as far as it goes (you can’t go wrong!). Just before you arrive at some stairs, the Ursell Room is to your left.
Can I just turn up on the day?
Please book in advance so we know to expect you!
