Essence and Energies: Being and Naming God in St Gregory Palamas

St. Gregory Palamas (ca. 1296–1357) is a well-known and celebrated theologian of late Byzantium, known for his distinction between God's essence and energies. This book explores his answers to long-standing questions by analyzing all of his treatises between 1338 and 1357, seeking to understand what he means by energies and how they are distinct from the divine essence. It is a useful resource for upper-level undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars interested in Byzantine theology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

St. Gregory Palamas (ca. 1296–1357) stands as one of the most renowned and celebrated theologians of late Byzantium. This comprehensive work offers a detailed exploration of the essence-energies distinction across his twenty-five treatises and letters, spanning a twenty-year period. An Athonite monk, abbot, and subsequently Metropolitan of Thessalonica, Gregory is renowned for his profound distinction between the essence of God and His energies. This doctrine, which continues to spark significant debate, remains a hallmark of his legacy.

The question of what Palamas meant by the term "energies" is central to understanding his thought. Are they "activities that God performs," and if so, how can they be eternal and uncreated? Moreover, how can God be considered simple if He possesses energies distinct from His essence? This book delves beyond the Triads and the One Hundred and Fifty Chapters to examine Palamas' answers to these enduring questions. By analyzing all the treatises produced by Palamas between 1338 and 1357, it seeks to unravel the meaning behind his use of the term "energies," understand how he establishes their distinctness from the divine essence, and elucidate how this distinction does not compromise the unity and simplicity of the one God in Trinity.

Essence and Energies serves as a valuable resource for upper-level undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars with an interest in Byzantine theology during the fourteenth century. It provides a thorough examination of Palamas' theological ideas, shedding light on his contributions to the field and offering insights into the complexities of his thought. Through its comprehensive analysis, this book contributes to our understanding of late Byzantine theology and its enduring impact on Christian thought.

Weight: 589g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032244792