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Why Does St. Basil Matter Today? St. Basil the Great is relevant today because most Western Christians know very little about the Eastern Orthodox Church, and St. Basil helped develop the theology of that tradition—particularly as it relates to the doctrine of the Trinity.
- Introduction
- Humility in Greco-Roman Perspective
- Humility in Biblical and Theological Perspective
- Humility in Moral Perspective
- Practical Implications from Basil on Humility
- Conclusion
Basil of Caesarea (c. AD 330–379) was a significant theological force in the fourth century. On the heels of the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), Basil sought to steer the church through tumultuous theological waters amidst the ongoing Arian controversy and its numerous aberrant theological descendants. In particular, Basil was instrumental in defending...
In order to understand humility in Christian perspective, it is important to place it in context with other philosophical and moral renderings. Humility for Basil is to cleave to that which is ultimately good, which is God. It is not to glory in oneself. It is “to realize that [one] lacks true righteousness (δικαιοσύνης ἀληθοῦς).”5 This posture ack...
Contemporary philosopher Peter Kreeft notes the “hinge” or cardinal virtues of justice, wisdom, courage and moderation. They are “hinges” (a translation from the Latin cardes) because they are the virtues “on which all other virtues turn.”21 As such they are the natural virtues, described by Plato, from which the theological virtues of faith, hope ...
Basil’s moral perspective was based on modeling one’s behavior on the one who demonstrated the greatest act of humility—Jesus Christ. Basil declared, “For the soul grows like what it pursues, and is molded and shaped according to what it does.”47 Forming Christ-like habits leads to Christ-like virtue. Proper morality comes from proper reproduction....
Basil continually asserted the centrality of humility in the Christian life. Contrary to philosophical notions of glory and pride, humility is the pathway to true glory as one beholds Christ’s work and seeks to imitate it in their own life. The implications of practicing humility are myriad for Christians, but based on this short study of Basil’s H...
In his Homily20, Basil contends for the centrality of humility in order to obtain the good life. This good life is a return to the glory that man once had with God at the beginning of creation. The sin of pride, man’s chief reason for his fall from glory, continues to impair his practice of virtue. Man’s wisdom is illusory and his ability to perfor...
Undoubtedly, Basil’s most important work is his contribution to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit regarding the Trinity. The Council of Nicea laid the foundation for Trinitarian Christology, but much confusion and misunderstanding persisted among the orthodox about the Person of the Holy Spirit.
Apr 2, 2024 · Saint Basil of Caesarea (also known as Saint Basil the Great) stands as a colossal figure in the history of Christianity, a bridge between the theological and practical, the mystical and the ethical. His approach is credited with integrating monasticism into the mainstream of Christian practice.
Jan 6, 2024 · Basil of Caesarea: A Guide to His Life and Doctrine by Andrew Radde-Gallwitz introduces early Christian theology by focusing on one particularly influential figure, Basil of Caesarea. It views Basil against the backdrop of a Roman Empire that was adopting Christianity. acquaints the student with Basil's brilliant--and often neglected ...
- Suzanne Estelle-Holmer
- 2020
Saint Basil the Great, early Church Father who defended the orthodox faith against the Arian heresy. As bishop of Caesarea, he wrote several works on monasticism, theology, and canon law. He was declared a saint soon after his death. Learn more about Basil’s life, ecclesiastical career, and legacy.
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Basil of Caesarea holds a very important place in the history of Christian liturgy, coming as he did at the end of the age of persecution. That St. Basil composed a liturgy, or rather reformed an existing liturgy, is beyond doubt, since besides the constant tradition of the Byzantine Church there are many testimonies in ancient writings to ...
