The Eschatological Thought of Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa

Abstract

Fourth-century Christian eschatological thought lost a vital dynamism stemming from the tension between the social conditions of Christians, defined by the imperial pressure of persecution and eschatological expectations of the Kingdom of God on earth. The new historical horizons, marked off by the conversion of Roman imperial authorities to Christianity, brought into being the idea of concurrence and harmonious coexistence of powers and dominions of the earthly and celestial kingdoms. Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, among others, are credited with the introduction of a “classical” version of the early church's eschatology associated with the triumph of Christ in the earthly domain under the stewardship of the Christian rulers. Their eschatological speculations introduced a new unprecedented level of philosophical subtlety to the Christian mindset. This chapter aims to tackle the most foundational elements of eschatological thought of these two Great Cappadocians and to give a brief analysis of their mystical apprehension of the consummation of all beings under the dreadful judgement seat of Christ.