The Gradual Stages of the Knowledge of God.
Knowledge of God is attained in gradual stages. Not everyone
can immediately ascend the mountain, go into the cloud, and speak with God.
Those who are impure do better to remain at the foot of the mountain and listen
to the voice and trumpet of the orthodox instruction of others. They themselves
should not try to study theology before they are ready, but should look on the
mountain covered by storm clouds and lightening and accept the miracle to the
greatest degree of their ability. This is not an echo of the elitism of the
Alexandrian school, which divided men into "gnostics" who could attain knowledge
and simple men who could not. This is instead a doctrine of degrees, each of
which can be achieved through asceticism and discipline. "If you ultimately wish
to be worthy of a correct understanding of the Divinity, follow the commands and
do not fail to do as you are ordered, for deeds are the steps which lead to
contemplation." This ladder is open to all, but not everyone ascends together.
Men are not equal and neither are the gifts of the Spirit, which are given to
each according to his capacity. This, however, does not destroy the unity of the
Church.
Gregory states that "speaking about God is a great undertaking,
but it is an even greater undertaking to purify oneself for God." For only in
this way will God be revealed. "There are many paths to salvation and many paths
leading to communion with God. It is necessary to follow them, and not only by
means of Words. It is enough to learn the simple faith, since through this God
will give salvation. There is no need to philosophize. If faith were only
accessible to philosophers, our God would be extremely poor."
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