The BA thesis Epectasis and Apocatastasis in Gregory of Nyssa provides a detailed analysis of two central concepts in the thought of one of the key early Church Fathers, Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–395). We begin with a brief outline of his life, which gives us an insight into the historical and theological background of his teachings. The understanding of man as the »image of God« is illuminated through the notion of two creations, where God foresees the fall of man with the second creation. The symbol of the garments of skin becomes crucial to Gregory's understanding of fallen man. The concept of epectasis (stretching out) is divided into several segments, with a particular emphasis on the continual spiritual progression that Gregory highlights in many of his works, including The Life of Moses. In it, Moses is presented as a symbol of the virtuous life, where man continually reaches out to God through his works. In the final part of the thesis, the concept of apokatastasis (restoration) is presented, with an emphasis on Gregory's continuation of the teachings of his predecessors, Clement (c. 150–215) and Origen (c. 185–253). Gregory identifies the design for the salvation and definitive restoration of human nature in Christ's role as the »second Adam«. Throughout the thesis, Gregory's vision of human nature, its relationship with God and its ultimate destiny in the light of God's love and redemption will be revealed.
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