Natural Law, Free Choice, and Moral Responsibility in the Anthropology of John Chrysostom

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Abstract In his discussion of virtue and sin, John Chrysostom makes frequent reference to the law of nature. He defines it as a moral norm given by God at the time of creation and argues that on account of it humans know what must be done and what must not be done. This article examines the role of natural law in Chrysostom’s conception of human action, focusing on the relationship between the law and human freedom. It argues that Chrysostom draws on the philosophical idea of natural law in order to explain human moral responsibility and the capacity for good deeds. By clarifying the interplay between natural law and free choice he rejects the doctrine of determinism. It is shown that the concept of natural law is also fundamental for Chrysostom’s instruction as it provides a basis for the moral reformation of the believers’ actions and behaviour.