John Climacus: On Repentance That Leads to Joy

Written by M.C. Steenberg.

A study of the spirituality of St John of the Ladder, with particular emphasis on the relationship of repentance and joy in the spiritual struggle.

The Spirituality of St John Klimakos

Those who aim at ascending with the body to Heaven, indeed need violence and constant suffering, especially in the early stages of their renunciation, until our pleasure-loving dispositions and unfeeling hearts attain to love of God and chastity by manifest sorrow.[1]

St John begins forthrightly in his Ladder. He is neither flowery with his words nor soft in his speech, but instead speaks simply and with a driving intent. There is a certain ‘brutal honesty’ to his spiritual direction, for he does not make any attempt to portray the path of salvation and sanctification in a way that will be pleasing to men, but rather in a manner that is truthful to the reality of God. It is not every Father who would begin his 30-step manual for spiritual growth with the daunting ‘Renunciation of the World.’

Gregory Palamas: Historical Timeline

Written by M.C. Steenberg.

As an appendix to the two studies on St Gregory Palamas, this text offers a year-by-year timeline of events and activities in the life of St Gregory and his contemporaries.

Gregory Palamas: An Historical Overview

Written by M.C. Steenberg.

An overview of the historical circumstances of St Gregory's life and theological engagement, including a survey of the theological landscape that provided the contours of his own theological interactions.

Gregory Palamas Knowledge, Prayer and Vision

Written by M.C. Steenberg.

A study of three foundational aspects of the theology of St Gregory Palamas.

Three foundational aspects of the Theology of St Gregory Palamas

The theology of St Gregory Palamas, as expressed during the Palamite Controversy of the mid-14^th century, is far too extensive to be addressed in its full breadth in a paper such as this. Rather than attempt a manifestly impossible task, then, we will limit the focus of this essay to three central points in that theology: first, the idea of knowledge as expressed in the conflict between Gregory and Barlaam; second, the matter of prayer and the body; and third, the notion of the divine vision, which will lead naturally into a discussion of the energies and the essence of God.