Oration on the Birth of Christ : From Dogmatic to Homiletic by Gregory of Nazianzus
Tammi, Sanna (2021)
2021
Julkaisu on tekijänoikeussäännösten alainen. Teosta voi lukea ja tulostaa henkilökohtaista käyttöä varten. Käyttö kaupallisiin tarkoituksiin on kielletty.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2021120258583
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2021120258583
Tiivistelmä
This study clarifies how Gregory of Nazianzus combines his views on correct doctrine with rhetorical elements in a Christmas sermon from 380 AD. Gregory (born 329 in Nazianzus) was a bishop, and later archbishop of Constantinople from 379 until his death in c. 390/391. This Christmas sermon (Oratio 38) is both an interesting and important source that reflects the theological and cultural conflicts of Gregory’s time. It is part of a three-sermon series for the Christmas and Epiphany season (Oratio 38–40).
I have studied Oratio 38 from two points of view; firstly, I have studied the contents in the light of the doctrinal discussions of the time and, secondly, I have considered the rhetorical styles Gregory uses to reach all his listeners. I have utilised two well-known researchers’ works for my analysis, namely the English translation and compilation of Oratio 38 by Brian E. Daley and the commentary by John A. McGuckin.
Oratio 38, Theophania on the Birth of Christ, is characterised by its three different themes: the celebration of the Birth, the doctrine of God and the history of salvation. The doctrinal questions of his time engaged Gregory deeply, and this becomes most clearly visible in the controversy with Arius and the Arians. In Oratio 38, however, he is speaking to a wider audience.
Regarding the doctrine in Oratio 38, it can be said that Gregory emphasises the Trinity of God and the truth of Christ as being truly divine as well as truly human, or “of the same essence” as the Father. The theological conflict with Arians lies behind Gregory’s exposition, and he preaches both convincingly and polemically. Bible excerpts and biblical allusions constitute the basis for his argumentation. From a rhetorical point of view, it can be noted that Gregory also uses allegory and especially typology in his interpretation of the Bible. He is a frequent user of repetition and variation and of building intensity in stages throughout his sermon. Opposing pairs, such as “from heaven – on Earth”, “sin – hope” and similar, are used to strengthen his message. Gregory also utilises oxymorons, i.e. combinations of opposing expressions, to emphasise the meaning of his words.
Oratio 38 is a remarkable example of the rhetorical mastery of Gregory of Nazianzus. He was not only well educated in classical rhetoric, but also possessed the ability to use his skill to reach his audiences and to make questions about God and redemption in Christ relevant and accessible to the people.
I have studied Oratio 38 from two points of view; firstly, I have studied the contents in the light of the doctrinal discussions of the time and, secondly, I have considered the rhetorical styles Gregory uses to reach all his listeners. I have utilised two well-known researchers’ works for my analysis, namely the English translation and compilation of Oratio 38 by Brian E. Daley and the commentary by John A. McGuckin.
Oratio 38, Theophania on the Birth of Christ, is characterised by its three different themes: the celebration of the Birth, the doctrine of God and the history of salvation. The doctrinal questions of his time engaged Gregory deeply, and this becomes most clearly visible in the controversy with Arius and the Arians. In Oratio 38, however, he is speaking to a wider audience.
Regarding the doctrine in Oratio 38, it can be said that Gregory emphasises the Trinity of God and the truth of Christ as being truly divine as well as truly human, or “of the same essence” as the Father. The theological conflict with Arians lies behind Gregory’s exposition, and he preaches both convincingly and polemically. Bible excerpts and biblical allusions constitute the basis for his argumentation. From a rhetorical point of view, it can be noted that Gregory also uses allegory and especially typology in his interpretation of the Bible. He is a frequent user of repetition and variation and of building intensity in stages throughout his sermon. Opposing pairs, such as “from heaven – on Earth”, “sin – hope” and similar, are used to strengthen his message. Gregory also utilises oxymorons, i.e. combinations of opposing expressions, to emphasise the meaning of his words.
Oratio 38 is a remarkable example of the rhetorical mastery of Gregory of Nazianzus. He was not only well educated in classical rhetoric, but also possessed the ability to use his skill to reach his audiences and to make questions about God and redemption in Christ relevant and accessible to the people.
Kokoelmat
- 614 Teologia [63]