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Series: Mystical Theology
Unit 14: Gregory Palamas
Episode 6: Triumph of Ascetic Theology Over Intellectualism

The sixth episode in our series presents the differing perspectives of Palamas’ three theological opponents, who curiously shared a common intellectualistic approach to matters theological, which gradually, since Augustine of Hippo, became the fundamental approach of the West: philosophical speculation.

A word is also offered regarding St. Gregory’s capture by the Ottoman Turks in 1354 and his being held hostage for about a year.

Themes covered in this episode include similarities and differences between Barlaam, Akindynus and Gregoras; why the essence-energies distinction is not ditheism; Palamas’ disarming distinction between “Antilogia” and “Homologia”; St. Gregory held hostage by the Ottoman Turks; and the outcome of Palamas’ discussion with the Turkish Mullah.

Q&As related to Episode 6 available in The Professor’s Blog.

Recommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022).

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Why three opponents?

00:12 Barlaam the Calabrian

05:10 Gregory Akindynus

14:50 Nicephorus Gregoras

16:46 Essence-Energies distinction

18:30 “Antilogia” and “Homologia”

22:47 Palamas Taken Hostage

24:05 Discussions with Turkish Mullah

It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the profound interrelationship between Orthodox theology and the Orthodox Christian life, and to identify the ascetic and pastoral significance of the Orthodox ethos contained therein. 

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Further Info & Bibliography
The Professor's Blog
Further bibliography may be found in our Scholar's Corner

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