Gregory the Theologian
Gregory of Nazianzus preached the Theological Orations during the Trinitarian disputes, insisting on the full divinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit without confusing their personal distinctions.
Historical context
His Constantinopolitan preaching belongs to the years immediately before the council of 381; his precise role in the council should not be flattened into authorship of every clause of its creed.
Key points
- Oration 31 treats the Holy Spirit's divinity.
- His preaching also warns that theological language requires reverence and careful limits.
Scripture
- Matthew 28:19 — The baptismal naming of Father, Son, and Spirit is central to the fourth-century discussion.
Primary sources
Gregory writes to Cledonius:
Gregory insists that Christ's complete humanity is necessary to his account of salvation.
For that which He has not assumed He has not healed; but that which is united to His Godhead is also saved.
Passage context and translation
Gregory rejects Apollinarianism by insisting that the Word assumed the fullness of human nature, including a human mind.
Before the excerpt
If anyone has put his trust in Him as a Man without a human mind, he is really bereft of mind, and quite unworthy of salvation.
After the excerpt
If only half Adam fell, then that which Christ assumes and saves may be half also; but if the whole of his nature fell, it must be united to the whole nature of Him that was begotten, and so be saved as a whole.