Book Symposium Introduction: John Behr, Gregory of Nyssa: On the Human Image of God

Abstract This article introduces a series of response essays to John Behr’s Gregory of Nyssa: On the Human Image of God , which includes contributions from Rowan Williams, Morwenna Ludlow, Paul Blowers, Gabrielle Thomas and Martin Laird – with a final response from John Behr. Gregory’s text centers upon the critical question: What does it mean to be human? For Gregory, the answer cannot arrive except through the contemplation of Christ – the image in whom humanity is always ever ‘in accordance with’ (Gen. 1:27). In particular, Gregory’s treatise draws attention to the ‘beautiful picture’ of human nature, presented in all its glory and nobility, contrasted with the reality of life in the midst of turmoil and suffering. How does our experience of life align with that noble image? Responses touch on a wide range of aspects raised in Behr’s extensive introduction and translation. This introductory essay organizes the responses in terms of method, translation and the theological question of image.