T9273A The Cappadocian Legacy

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This graduate course unit explores the fourth century representatives of the Cappadocian patristic tradition within their historical milieu, their connections with other strands of tradition, and their lasting significance for the history of theology and the Christian experience.

Background
The Cappadocian patristic tradition drew on earlier trends and shaped later developments in theology and spirituality. The Cappadocian Fathers gave voice, in a confessional and authoritative way, to implicit theological truths that were indispensable for Christian life and faith.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Appraise the historical, ecclesial and cultural context within which the fourth century representatives of the Cappadocian tradition flourished.
2. Evaluate the ways in which the Cappadocians assimilated and transformed the earlier patristic tradition
3. Display a profound awareness of the theological and spiritual legacy of the fourth century Cappadocians
4. Critically analyse the selected writings of the Cappadocians from the viewpoint of their theological and spiritual significance
5. Critically assess the relevant scholarship

During this course unit, students may acquire the following threshold concept. This concept is fundamental to a proper understanding of the unit or course. It is essential for further progress in the discipline. It is often troublesome for students.

Understanding the fourth century Cappadocian tradition is sine qua non for grasping the way in which various later developments in theology and spirituality connected with earlier strands in tradition.

Weekly Topics

1. Introduction (Historical and Theological Context of the Fourth Century) and Requirements to the Course Unit; Saint Basil of Caesarea
2. The Letters
3. On the Holy Spirit
4. On Christian Ethics (Moralia)
5. Monastic Rules (Asketikon); St Gregory of Nazianzus
6. Theological Orations - Part One
7. Theological Orations - Part Two
8. The Two Letters to Cledonius
9. Autobiographical Poems; St Gregory of Nyssa
10. Trinitarian Theology (Basil's Ep. 38)
11. The Life of Moses
12. The Life of Macrina
13. Anthropological and ecclesiological implications of the Trinitarian doctrine. The Trinitarian foundations of reality
14. Revision and Concluding Remarks