Self-Knowledge and the Knowledge of God according to St Gregory the Theologian, Georgios Mantzarides

Abstract: This paper argues that even though the first step to knowledge is knowledge of self, even that, left on its own, leaves a vacuum within the person. According to St Gregory the Theologian it was truth understood in its connection with Christ that alone was liberating and able to offer the fullness of life. Self-knowledge was but a first step to knowledge of God. This article explores the path to true knowledge, as understood by this Cappadocian father with the view of demonstrating its perennial significance for human persons living in the twenty-first century.

Bio: George Mantzarides is Emeritus Professor of the School of Theology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.