Gregory of Nyssa

The most philosophically daring of the Cappadocian Fathers.

Bishop of Nyssa and younger brother of Basil the Great. Gregory was the most speculative and philosophically sophisticated of the three Cappadocian Fathers, pushing Christian theology into bold new territory with his mystical theology and his controversial defense of universal salvation.

Verified Facts

• He argued for apocatastasis (universal salvation)—the idea that ALL rational beings, including Satan himself, would eventually be restored to God. This was a radical position that the later church condemned when held by Origen, but Gregory was never formally condemned for it.
• His "Life of Moses" pioneered the concept of epektasis—the idea that the soul's journey toward God is an infinite progression that never ends, because God is infinite. Perfection is not a destination but an eternal process of becoming.
• Unlike his brother Basil (who was a brilliant administrator) and Gregory of Nazianzus (who was a brilliant orator), Gregory of Nyssa was a brilliant philosopher. Modern scholars often compare his thought to Hegel and process theology.
• He was a terrible bishop—administratively incompetent and politically naive. He was even briefly deposed on charges of financial mismanagement. His genius was entirely in the realm of ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading

• Wikipedia: Gregory of Nyssa
• Stanford Encyclopedia: Gregory of Nyssa

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