Tag Archives: maximos the confessor

Zizioulas: Being as Communion

Posted on November 18, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

If I criticized Western models of the Trinity in the last post, I am going to push back against some fashionable Eastern models in this one. Zizzy notes that ancient Greek thought maintained a diversity in spite of apparent unity … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Church History, theology | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Maximus against Pagan Dualisms

Posted on August 26, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

The base of the article is here. https://jaysanalysis.com/pagan-dualism-the-occult-and-the-trinity/ Dualism is ultimately relative since both good and evil need each other in order to be defined.  (This is why Maximus says God doesn’t have an opposite). Dr. Joseph Farrell explains how, … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologetics, Church History, Occult, theology | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Hellenism as Dialectic

Posted on March 11, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Earlier models of theology did theology “by century,” or a list of pithy sayings on a topic.  I doubt I will get to a hundred, but it is a good guideline.  When I attack Hellenism, in this context I mean … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Outline of Maximus’ Cosmology

Posted on February 16, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Chapter 3: The Logos, logoi, and created beings Key to Maximus’s cosmology is the mystery of Christ (64). The logoi are all contained in the divine wisdom, not just his thoughts but his acts of will. Logoi are ideas through … Continue reading →

Posted in Fathers, Philosophy | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Review: Cosmic Mystery

Posted on February 3, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

I’ve read this book six or eight times.  It’s probably the most important theological piece ever written on cosmology. Ambiguum 7 All created being is in motion since it aims toward some end. This combats Origenism.  Origen (de Principis I.2) … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Eschatology, Fathers, Philosophy | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Review: Orthodoxy and Esotericism (Kelley)

Posted on February 3, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

My friend James Kelley gave me a complimentary copy. It is common parlance to say, “We should apply our faith to culture.”  In such slogans the words “faith” and “culture” are never defined and always used in the most abstract … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Philosophy, theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Analytic Outline, Balthasar’s Cosmic Liturgy

Posted on January 17, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

This isn’t an outline of the whole book–only the first half.  That is where Balthasar’s discussion on Person and Nature is.  I first read this book in 2010 when I was new to Maximus the Confessor.  Those were heady days.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Union and Distinction in Maximus (Review)

Posted on March 18, 2017 by J. B. Aitken

Melchisidec Toronen gives us a useful snapshot and handbook for Maximus the Confessor. While the back has some drawbacks, it is clear and to the point (almost to a fault). Toronen gives a lucid summary of his own argument: “The … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Fathers | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Notes on person and will

Posted on May 30, 2016 by J. B. Aitken

The Two Energies of Christ Person operates by will. Will is a property of nature and energy is operation proper to that nature. So in Christ Incarnate there are two will and two operations proper to each nature, but the divine … Continue reading →

Posted in Fathers, theology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Metaphysics of Symbol

Posted on May 28, 2016 by J. B. Aitken

Hans urs von Balthasar suggested that Letter is to be transformed into Spirit.  This isn’t necessarily a spirit-matter dualism (which I don’t think existed before the fall), though that is certainly true post-fall.  Man before the Fall saw the connection … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment