Gregory of Nyssa: The Life of Moses (HarperCollins Spiritual Classics)

In this extremely short work, Gregory of Nyssa, one of the great Greek Cappadocian Fathers, commends his readers Moses, the servant and man of God, as the par excellence of spiritual maturity and perfection. This is a spiritual exegesis (if such things exist nowadays). Meaning, Nyssa makes many interpretative moves that seems really foreign. I frequently found myself saying, “Is that even appropriate to say? Does the text allow that?” However, after accepting his Greek (Neo-Platonic) quarks, there is deep wealth in this book. I quote one of my favorites at length below:If, then, one should withdraw from those who seduce him to evil and by the use of his reason turn to the better, putting evil behind him, it is as if he places his own soul, like a mirror, face-to-face with the hope of good things, with the result that the images and impressions of virtue, as it is shown to him by God are imprinted on the purity of his soul. (44)sooholee.wordpress

THE SYMBOLIC ASCENT OF MT SINAI IN 9 STEPS1. HE ASCENDED THE MOUNTAIN2. HE ENTERED THE DARKNESS3. HE HEARD THE TRUMPET4. HIS MIND WAS LIFTED-UP5. HE APPROACHED THE DIVINE NATURE6. HE WAS ENCLOSED WITHIN THE DIVINE TABERNCLE7. HE WAS ADORNED FOR PRIESTHOOD8. HE WAS GIVEN THE LAW9. HE THEN WENT TO THE MOUNTAIN OF SABBATH REST5 stars: highly recommended. Submitted 9-10-2020

First and foremost, this is the same work by the same translators for the CWS published by Paulist Press. Having pointed this out, Gregory readily takes his lead from the thoughts of both Evigrius and Origen. Origen readily admits his is from Philo of Alexandria. This work is not for the faint hearted nor for those who are not exposed to this type of allegorical form of interpretation, nor for those who will not see it thru the likes of those from the quill and ink of Marcarius of Alexandria and onto those housed in the walls of St. Victor. This is an essential work to be read and understood.

Amazing! Reading the writings of the fathers of the Early Christian Church, it's easy to see that they faced the same challenges that we do today. Human nature hasn't changed and Gregory uses events from the Life of Moses to illustrate how to live a virtuous life. Strongly recommended for anyone, but especially for people who are interested in seeing the continuity of Christian teaching over the last 2000 years.

I originally purchased this for a college seminar. I'd only read snippets of St. Gregory of Nyssa's works online. To be able to read one of his writings (translated of course) in total was a wonderful privilege and very enjoyable experience. I recommend this book to any serious theologian, theology student, or anyone who would like to know more about the early Church doctors.

St. Gregory of Nyssa helps you to look at the way read your Bible in a whole different way. He introduces the story of Moses but looks beyond the story and goes deeper into the meaning of different symbols within the story. If you want to learn how to read scripture read this book a few times.

What can I say? This book was wonderful! Definitely a must for anyone wanting to deepen their faith. Gregory of Nyssa was such a gifted teacher. He thoroughly explains the amazing symbolisms in Moses' life and how it all effects us today. All I can say is buy it and read it!!

Required reading for any Jonathan Pageau fan.

i thought it was going to be philosophically interesting. and it is, in a few places (maybe ten pages in total). but mostly it's just a pretty ordinary, orthodox, symbolic retelling of the life of moses. i'm sure if you're a christian it has some worth, but if not - it's not especially interesting.read key excerpts online and leave the rest alone. don't bother buying it.

This was bought as a gift so I don't know what the recipient thought about it. He expressed pleasure at receiving it but no further details.

Intuitive and good read