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“The Twofold Affection”: The Background to John Chrysostom’s Use of Φύσις and Χάρις

In: Vigiliae Christianae
Author:
Brian Dunkle S.J. School of Theology and Ministry, Boston College Boston, MA USA

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0124-7027
Online Publication Date:
14 Jul 2021
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Abstract

John Chrysostom’s pairing of φύσις and χάρις, which tends to be read exclusively in light of the Pelagian controversies, reflects the influence of distinct models in early Christianity for conceptualizing the interaction between created nature(s) and the divine creator. The first, informed especially by Pauline categories, understands “nature” (φύσις; natura) to refer to an inborn relationship that stands in contrast to the adopted sonship qualified by “grace” (χάρις; gratia). The second, evident especially in Philo and Alexandrian theologians, takes nature as an individual essence, to which grace is superadded as a property. In the final portion of the essay I show evidence that Chrysostom tends to prioritize the property model over the filial model of nature and grace.

Title:
“The Twofold Affection”: The Background to John Chrysostom’s Use of Φύσις and Χάρις
Article Type:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/15700720-12341484
Language:
English
Pages:
355–374
Keywords:
John Chrysostom; nature; grace; deification; adoption
In:
Vigiliae Christianae
In:
Volume 75: Issue 4
Publisher:
Brill
E-ISSN:
1570-0720
Print ISSN:
0042-6032
Subjects:
Early Church & Patristics, Biblical Studies

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