Gregory of Nyssa

Church Father · c. 335–c. 395 · Nyssa in Cappadocia

Cappadocian bishop and theologian whose works explore the image of God, human freedom, resurrection, and the mystery of divine life.

Historical context

Gregory was Basil's brother, but his writings have their own emphases and should not be treated as interchangeable with Basil's.

Key points

On the Making of Man examines the dignity and constitution of humanity.
His treatment of bodily resurrection resists reducing salvation to the soul alone.

Scripture

Genesis 1:26-27 — The image of God is a starting point for Gregory's anthropology.

Primary sources

Gregory writes in On the Making of Man:

Gregory presents virtue as a genuinely voluntary human response.

virtue is a voluntary thing, subject to no dominion
— Gregory of Nyssa, On the Making of Man (Chapter 16, Section 11), trans. Henry Austin Wilson

Passage context and translation

Gregory discusses the human capacity for freely chosen virtue in connection with the divine image; he then distinguishes created human nature from the uncreated God.

Before the excerpt

we are free from necessity, and not in bondage to any natural power

After the excerpt

that which is the result of compulsion and force cannot be virtue.

H. A. Wilson translation in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Volume 5; the excerpt is a clause within XVI.11.

Sources and further reading

Gregory of Nyssa, On the Making of Man (primary text) (Primary text in translation)

Related records

Manoah's family and the wonderful name (Christophanies)
Tritheism (Doctrinal Controversy)
Gregory Nazianzen and Gregory of Nyssa (Timeline Event)
Constantinople I — Second Ecumenical Council (Timeline Event)
First Council of Constantinople (Council)
The human person (Doctrine Concept)
Gregory remembers Macrina's life of Scripture and community (Church History)

All records