Book Review
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Review of Nazianzuslu Grigorius ve Kutsal Ruh’un Tanrılığı Meselesi, by Elif Tokay

Year 2023, , 103 - 107, 27.07.2023
https://doi.org/10.51490/oksident.1301388

Abstract

Dr. Elif Tokay’s recent book- Gregory of Nazianzus and the Issue of the Divinity of the Holy Spirit- is an important milestone in the study of Christian theology. This book is the first study of Gregory of Nazianzus ever to be written and published in Turkish. It is an insightful, accessible, and thorough examination of Gregory’s profound theological vision, the central argument of which is that the triune nature of God is revealed through God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Because his Trinitarian theology was fundamental to the development of Christian doctrine in general, Gregory’s importance in the history of Christianity cannot be overstated. In addition, his spiritual vision is of particular importance in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Gregory’s spiritual vision argues that humanity is created for the purpose of union with its Creator, and that the ascetic, contemplative, liturgical, and moral labor of the human individual all work in free cooperation with God’s saving plan. This theological anthropology is foundational to Eastern Orthodox spiritual teaching. Gregory’s works have for centuries been among the most widely read in the entire Eastern Orthodox tradition, and his theology of theosis (which Tokay discusses in detail) has played a key role in Eastern Orthodox religious practice and identity. Tokay’s analysis demonstrates that Gregory’s theology is best understood as a synthesis of doctrine and spirituality, where God’s saving role in history is the key to understanding God’s triune nature as disclosed to humanity in revelation.

Review of Nazianzuslu Grigorius ve Kutsal Ruh’un Tanrılığı Meselesi, by Elif Tokay

Year 2023, , 103 - 107, 27.07.2023
https://doi.org/10.51490/oksident.1301388

Abstract

Dr. Elif Tokay’s recent book- Gregory of Nazianzus and the Issue of the Divinity of the Holy Spirit- is an important milestone in the study of Christian theology. This book is the first study of Gregory of Nazianzus ever to be written and published in Turkish. It is an insightful, accessible, and thorough examination of Gregory’s profound theological vision, the central argument of which is that the triune nature of God is revealed through God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Because his Trinitarian theology was fundamental to the development of Christian doctrine in general, Gregory’s importance in the history of Christianity cannot be overstated. In addition, his spiritual vision is of particular importance in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Gregory’s spiritual vision argues that humanity is created for the purpose of union with its Creator, and that the ascetic, contemplative, liturgical, and moral labor of the human individual all work in free cooperation with God’s saving plan. This theological anthropology is foundational to Eastern Orthodox spiritual teaching. Gregory’s works have for centuries been among the most widely read in the entire Eastern Orthodox tradition, and his theology of theosis (which Tokay discusses in detail) has played a key role in Eastern Orthodox religious practice and identity. Tokay’s analysis demonstrates that Gregory’s theology is best understood as a synthesis of doctrine and spirituality, where God’s saving role in history is the key to understanding God’s triune nature as disclosed to humanity in revelation.

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Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Religious Studies
Journal Section Book Reviews
Authors

Philip C. Dorroll 0000-0002-3403-6154

Publication Date July 27, 2023
Submission Date May 23, 2023
Acceptance Date June 20, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023

Cite

ISNAD Dorroll, Philip C. “Review of Nazianzuslu Grigorius Ve Kutsal Ruh’un Tanrılığı Meselesi, by Elif Tokay”. Oksident 5/1 (July 2023), 103-107. https://doi.org/10.51490/oksident.1301388.