The Knowledge of God and Ascetic Discipline.
We approach deification by striving to know God. This can only
de accomplished through ascetic discipline. "Not everyone can achieve an
understanding of God," Gregory states in his writings against the Eunomians.
"No, not everyone. It is not easy to attain and is impossible for those who are
bound to material things." Not everyone should dare to speak freely about God.
In order to do so it is necessary to have a pure or at least a purified soul.
Just as the sun's radiance can be harmful to weak vision, it is dangerous for
that which is corrupt to approach that which is pure. One must be free of
external mire and enjoy a state of inner quietude and peace.
Man should constantly think about God, and this is the only
thing that is absolutely necessary for life. The study of theology, however,
should not be constant, nor should it be undertaken prematurely. It must be
approached gradually and with restraint. In this way Gregory not only hopes to
avoid futile and blasphemous argumentation, but he also tries to indicate that
without adequate preparation the proper aim of theology will not be recognized,
and thus its study will be fruitless. A troubled soul cannot truly reflect the
image of the sun, and philosophy should be approached "only when we have quiet
within ourselves and we are not distracted by the material objects around us."
The concepts being dealt with must be clearly defined. "For if the mind is not
enlightened, or if terms are carelessly used, or if the ear has not been
purified and does not retain what it hears, then for any one of these reasons,
as surely as from all of them together, the truth will unavoidably be lame and
unsatisfactory."
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