Gregory of Nyssa (330–395), also known as Gregory the Theologian, was a bishop and scholar in the 4th century of the Christian era. One of the key elements of his theological teaching was the doctrine of universalism, i.e., the idea that all people will be saved and ultimately be with God. This teaching sparked debates and controversies in the Christian church, and opinions on it remain divided to this day.
In his work "On the Final Return" (Latin: De apice theoriae), Gregory presented his ideas about universalism and God's love and grace. In this work, he declares: "I think that all people are called to be saved, without exception, and that God's love is endless." Here, Gregory speaks about God's mercy and love that are available to all people, regardless of their actions or life circumstances.
Although Gregory is often associated with universalistic teaching, it is important to note that he did not deny the existence of hell but proposed the idea that hell would be a temporary place of purification. In his work "On the Soul" (Latin: De anima et resurrectione), Gregory writes: "For I think that hell is not a place where those sent there for their sins will remain eternally, but it is a place of purification, so that these people can prepare to return to communion with God."
Gregory also used biblical quotes to support his ideas. At one point in his work "On the Final Return," he quotes Romans 11:32, which says: "For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all." Here, Gregory suggests that God has a plan for all people, and that plan is one of mercy and love.
Universalism and the teaching of God's love and grace were key elements in Gregory of Nyssa's theological teaching. Although his teaching on universalism was controversial, his theology emphasized God's love and mercy toward all people. Ultimately, Gregory's theology reminds us that God is love, and that God's grace and love are available to everyone, without exception.
Author: Jasmin Koso
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Bibliography:
Gregory of Nyssa, "On the Final Return," in Patrologia Graeca, vol. 44, ed. J.-P. Migne (Paris: Imprimerie Catholique, 1857), 1260-1277.
Gregory of Nyssa, "On the Soul," in Patrologia Graeca, vol. 44, ed. J.-P. Migne (Paris: Imprimerie Catholique, 1857), 146-175.
Beeley, Christopher A. The Unity of Christ: Continuity and Conflict in Patristic Tradition. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2012.
González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity: The Early Church to the Present Day. New York: HarperOne, 2010.
McGuckin, John A. Saint Gregory of Nazianzus: An Intellectual Biography. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2001.
Ramelli, Ilaria L. The Christian Doctrine of Apokatastasis: A Critical Assessment from the New Testament to Eriugena. Leuven: Peeters, 2013.
