On the Soul and the Resurrection

by Gregory of Nyssa

Publisher:

St Vladimir’s Seminary Press

, 1993

Overview

In the fourth century, the Christian church emerged from the catacombs as a spiritual and intellectual force, and many believers struggled to explain their faith within prevailing philosophical systems. Among them was St. Gregory, bishop of Nyssa, who examined the doctrine of the bodily resurrection.

Following Plato’s literary example, St. Gregory wrote a dramatic dialogue regarding the soul and the resurrection, in which he plays the role of “pupil,” while his elder sister, St. Macrina, assumes the role of “teacher.” The lively dialogue addresses many thorny issues—the nature of the soul, the condition of the soul after death, and the transmigration of the soul—and concludes with a position corresponding to the writings of the Apostle Paul. St. Gregory’s adherence to Scripture in the context of his philosophical milieu provides contemporary readers with a superb example of Christianity encountering culture.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Discusses in dialogue form the ideas of resurrection and the nature of the soul
• Provides an example of how Christianity responds to culture historically
• Examines ideas set forth in the early church and how they still apply

Contents

• The Survival of the Soul
• The Nature of the Soul
• The Emotions
• The Condition of the Soul after Death
• How Does the Soul Recognize the Elements of Its Body
• The Purification of the Soul
• Why Is Purification Painful
• Transmigration of Souls
• The Origin of the Soul
• The Doctrine of the Resurrection

Product Details

• Title: On the Soul and the Resurrection
• Author: St. Gregory of Nyssa
• Editor: Catherine P. Roth
• Publisher: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press
• Publication Date: 1993
• Pages: 126
• Christian Group: Orthodox
• Resource Type: Ancient Texts
• Topic: Christianity

About Gregory of Nyssa

St. Gregory of Nyssa (c 335 – after 394) was a Christian bishop and saint. He was a younger brother of Basil the Great and a good friend of Gregory of Nazianzus. His significance has long been recognized in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Catholic and Roman Catholic branches of Christianity. Some historians identify Theosebia the deaconess as his wife, others hold that she, like Macrina the Younger, was actually a sister of Gregory and Basil.