Gregory of Nazianzus (Foundations of Theological Exegesis and Christian Spirituality)
Overview
Brian Matz, a respected scholar of the history of Christianity, provides an accessible and erudite introduction to the thought of fourth-century church father Gregory of Nazianzus. Matz explores Gregory's homilies, especially those that reveal Gregory's affirmation of the full deity of the Holy Spirit, and shows the importance of Gregory's work for contemporary theology and spirituality. This work demonstrates a patristic approach to reading the Bible and promotes a vision for the Christian life that is theological, pastoral, and philosophical. Gregory of Nazianzus is the fourth book in a series on the church fathers edited by Hans Boersma and Matthew Levering.
Key Features
- Accessible discussion of an oft neglected church father
- Emphasizes Gregory's homilies
- Lays out how a patristic approach to the reading of scripture promote a rich perspective Christian living
Contents
- Gregory as Pastor and Theologian
- Preaching Purification
- Preaching Pastoring: Oration
- Preaching Contemplation: Oration
- Preaching Baptism: Oration
- Preaching Love for the Poor: Oration
Praise for the Print Edition
Matz has written an intriguing book on Gregory of Nazianzus. Centering attention on Gregory's pastoral theology of purification, Matz relates this central theme to baptism, contemplation, concern for the poor, and other topics, without neglecting the theological controversy Gregory is best known for, the controversy on the Trinity. With each topic, Matz gives detailed attention to citations from Scripture. This insightful and lively book should renew and reorient studies of Gregory for decades to come.
—Joseph T. Lienhard, SJ, Fordham University
In this book, one of the greatest theologians of the early church comes to life as a complex and endearing human personality as well as an edifying and inspiring example of Christian discipleship and ministry. We encounter Gregory of Nazianzus as an earthen vessel filled with treasures of grace, prone to being overwhelmed by frustration with ecclesial politics but dedicated to a transformative union with God and other human beings that is motivated and informed by scriptural contemplation. Reading this book is itself a wonderful exercise in contemplation, which will inspire in the reader the same hunger and thirst for God that motivated Gregory's own spiritual journey.
—Khaled Anatolios, professor of theology, University of Notre Dame
For many years Gregory of Nazianzus, whom the Byzantines called the 'Second Demosthenes' and 'the Theologian,' was neglected by English-language theologians and historians, who generally did not appreciate the narrative structure of his theological systematic or his understanding of theological insight as poetic inspiration. This neglect has rightly been overturned in recent decades. In this elegant and lucid study, Brian Matz has done a splendid job explaining why Gregory matters and what profound depths of biblical and philosophical insight lie behind the rhetorician's elegant discourse.
—John A. McGuckin, Nielsen Professor in Late Antique and Byzantine Christian History and professor of Byzantine Christian studies, Columbia University
Product Details
- Title: Gregory of Nazianzus
- Series: Foundations of Theological Exegesis and Christian Spirituality
- Author: Brian Matz
- Publisher: Baker Academic
- Publication Date: 2016
- Pages: 208
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Topic: Theology