Carl Trueman has a couple of blog posts introducing Gregory of Nazianzus. An excerpt:
Rising to prominence in the 360s and 370s, Gregory was one of a trio of theologians, know for convenience as the Cappadocian Fathers, that also included the brothers, Gregory of Nyssa and Basil of Caesarea. Along with Athanasius, they were key to the triumph of Trinitarianism; and, as a powerful, innovative foursome, they were a kind of patristic Led Zeppelin: no weak link—very rare in four man rock bands; perhaps even rarer in four man theological teams.
Trueman goes on to give a brief introduction to his his life and achievement.
In the second post, on Gregory’s understanding of the Christian life and ministry, Trueman begins by observing the sheer strangeness of the aesetic/monastic life viewed from a 21st century vantage point. He writes, “The fact that Gregory of Nazianzus placed a high premium on the ascetic life indicates to us that his world is not ours but it should not lead us to dismiss him out of hand. He was a real, fallen, flesh-and-blood person, wrestling with the same deep questions of Christian identity and life as thoughtful Christians do today.”
Trueman goes on to recommend Michael Haykin’s forthcoming beginner’s guide to Fathers, and also recommends Gregory’s “First Theological Oration” and “On Flight.” He goes on to give an overview of each.
