Rationality as the Basis of Spiritual Development: An Analysis of Allegorical Exegesis in the Life of Moses II,1–18 by Gregory of Nyssa Cover Image

Racionalita ako základ duchovného rozvoja: Analýza alegorickej exegézy v Živote Mojžiša II,1–18 od Gregora z Nyssy
Rationality as the Basis of Spiritual Development: An Analysis of Allegorical Exegesis in the Life of Moses II,1–18 by Gregory of Nyssa

Author(s): Helena Panczová
Subject(s): Theology and Religion
Published by: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci
Keywords: Rationality; Passions; Symbol Analysis; Allegorical Exegesis; Exodus 1–2

Summary/Abstract: Gregory of Nyssa’s allegorical exegesis in the Life of Moses II,1–18 is extremely coherent and well structured. There is one main idea – the development of human ra¬tionality. This is expressed in three images demonstrating its gradual growth and final sovereignty: the baby boy threatened with death, a Hebrew fighting with an Egyptian, and a shepherd tending sheep. A supporting stream of images speaks about the changing role of profane culture in this process (the ark and Pharaoh’s daughter, the Hebrew and the Egyptian, and Moses at the water sources in Madiam). The passage ends with the image of the sovereign rule of reason as the basic prerequisite for any further spiritual development.

  • Issue Year: XVIII/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 21-32
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Slovak