The Use of ΜΟΝΟΓΕΝΉΣ in Gregory of Nazianzus's Five Theological Orations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17162/rt.v39i1.2110Keywords:
Doctrine of the Trinity, Christology, Patristics, Philosophical presuppositions, AristotelianismAbstract
Gregory of Nazianzus, a pivotal figure in 4th-century Trinitarian theology, significantly influenced the development of Christian doctrine. This article focuses on Gregory’s interpretation of the term μονογενής (“nly-begotten”) as applied to the Son of God within the Trinitarian framework, particularly as articulated in his Five Theological Orations. The analysis reveals that Gregory employed a literal interpretation of μονογενής, meaning “originated” and “offspring,” to describe the Son’s relationship with the Father. This interpretation reflects a broader Greek philosophical view of the divine as existing in a non-temporal, incorporeal realm, which Gregory acknowledges as ultimately mysterious and beyond full human comprehension. This framework, while influential, is not explicitly supported by Scripture. Consequently, this article advocates for a re-evaluation of the μονογενής concept based solely on Scripture, challenging the presuppositions that influenced the classic Trinitarian doctrine.
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