'In the image of the Image': Gregory of Nyssa's Opposition to Slavery

Download or read book 'In the image of the Image': Gregory of Nyssa's Opposition to Slavery written by Adam Couchman and published by SLG Press. This book was released on 2023-07-09 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: St Gregory of Nyssa is the most important author of the fourth century in relation to theological anthropology, and was one of the most outspoken of the early Church Fathers on the subject of slavery. Gregory’s theology is built upon his perception that Jesus Christ was truly human; therefore, to be human is to be made in the image of Christ. We cannot justify slavery if we accept that humans are made in God’s image, because slaves are no less made in the image of God than those who are free. This book examines Gregory’s theology, how he understood and taught about the relationship of human beings to God, and how he applied this theology to the practical issue of slavery.