Life of Moses

E94018

Life of Moses is a theological and allegorical treatise by Gregory of Nyssa that interprets the biblical story of Moses as a guide to the soul’s spiritual ascent and perfection.


Statements (49)
Predicate Object
instanceOf Christian literature
allegorical commentary
patristic work
theological treatise
associatedWith Cappadocian Fathers
author Gregory of Nyssa NERFINISHED
basedOn Biblical story of Moses
biblicalSource Book of Exodus
Book of Numbers
centralTheme imitation of Moses
infinite progress in virtue
soul’s journey toward God
contains allegorical interpretation of Moses’ life
historical exposition of Moses’ life
focusesOn Christian perfection
contemplation of God
spiritual ascent
virtue
genre allegorical exegesis
mystagogical work
spiritual treatise
influenced Byzantine spirituality
Eastern Christian mysticism
Western Christian spiritual theology
interpretsEvent Moses’ entry into the darkness
Moses’ vision of God’s back
ascent of Mount Sinai
burning bush
crossing of the Red Sea
keyConcept epektasis
originalLanguage Greek
part narrative retelling of biblical events
spiritual and allegorical interpretation
period 4th century
religiousTradition Christianity
structure two-part treatise
studiedIn Christian spirituality
historical theology
patristics
subject Moses
symbolizes Egypt as life of sin
Pharaoh as tyranny of passions
Promised Land as union with God
Red Sea as baptism and purification
desert as ascetic struggle
teaches endless growth in knowledge of God
theologicalOrientation Cappadocian theology
usedIn Christian spiritual formation
monastic instruction

Referenced by (3)
Subject (surface form when different) Predicate
Gregory of Nyssa
Philo of Alexandria ("On the Life of Moses (De vita Mosis)")
notableWork
Homilies on the Song of Songs
relatedWorkByAuthor

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