Becoming Human in the Face of God: Gregory of Nyssa’s Unending Search for the Beatific Vision

International Journal of Systematic Theology Volume 17 Number 2 April 2015

Abstract

This article seeks to effect a ressourcement of the theology of the beatific vision through reflection on Gregory of Nyssa’s engagement with biblical passages that he believes speak of this vision. Through attention to Nyssen’s sixth homily on the Beatitudes, commentary on The Life of Moses and Homilies on the Song of Songs, I argue that, for him, human persons find their telos when in union with Christ they become ever purer, in an ever-increasing growth in the beatific vision. Gregory maintains that the perfection of human personhood consists of the soul always remaining in search of greater fulfilment of its desire to see God in Christ.