Re-thinking Gregory of Nyssa

The thought of Gregory of Nyssa, the youngest of the fourth-century 'Cappadocian' Fathers, is currently at the centre of a number of important theological debates. On the one hand, his trinitarianism has long been considered foundational — even normative — for the so-called 'Eastern' doctrine of God. On the other, his views on asceticism and desire have found new resonance in the context of post-modern gender theory.

This collection of specially commissioned essays calls the long-accepted interpretation of Gregory's trinitarianism into radical question and simultaneously urges a reading of his 'pedagogy of desire' that will cause a major reconsideration of his methods of trinitarian exposition. The implications for renewed ecumenical dialogue between east and west are also considered.