Gregory Palamas: Prolegomena (Better Sound Quality), Episode 1bis, Prof. C. Veniamin

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church

Unit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher Veniamin
Episode 1bis: Prolegomena
Episode 1bis of “Gregory Palamas: An Introduction” is mainly an enhanced sound quality version of the original episode (with a new title credit and end card, plus an appeal for support), which introduces the "Hesychast Controversy" of the 14th century in the declining decades of the Christian Roman Empire. What was Hesychasm really all about? And why is it still relevant to us today in the 21st century?
In this first part, we outline the nature and significance of the debate between St. Gregory and his three main theological opponents: Barlaam the Calabrian, Gregory Akindynos, and Nicephorus Gregoras.
Themes covered include the Vision of God; the Essence-Energies Distinction; God revealed as Light; the Tri-Hypostatic Character of the Light; and the Sanctification of the Human Body.
We shall also touch upon such topics as the Stigmata and the Mystery of the Transfiguration; the Beatific Vision; Speaking in Tongues and the Humble Way of Christ; Latin Ecclesiology vs Direct Unmediated Experience of God; and the Glorification or Deification (theosis) of the entire human person, body and soul.
Q&As related to Episode 1 available in The Professor’s Blog.
Recommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022); and The Orthodox Understanding of Salvation: "Theosis" in Scripture and Tradition (2016).

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Further bibliography may be found in our Scholar's Corner.
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Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Stages in St. Gregory's Life (00:01:54)

3. Objections to St. Gregory's theology (00:07:20)

4. Experience of God (00:10:38)

5. Essence - Energies Distinction (00:11:11)

6. God as Light (00:18:56)

7. Transfiguration (00:22:04)

8. Stigmata (00:28:12)

9. Speaking in Tongues (00:29:49)

10. Transfiguration of human body (00:30:21)

11. Direct contact with God (00:31:41)

12. Physical technique in Prayer (00:34:21)

13. Union of "nous" with heart (00:36:38)