Gregory of Nyssa: The Life of Moses – A Guide to Christian Mysticism and the Infinite Journey to God (HarperCollins Spiritual Classics)

Gregory spends the first 1/3 of the book reminding the reader of all the major events in Moses' life and God's intervention in every event. The last section of the book looks back at all these major events and examines the spiritual truth revealed in the OT and NT to help us grasp the events in Moses' life as a part of the Christian's life and growth. Nicely translated. Some points are a little hard to grasp only because the text refers to some things more understood in the 4th century but 90% of the book is truly inspiring and should be read by all ministers who deal with a congregation (just like dealing with the nation of Israel) and pastoral care.

I’ve read many writings of the Church Fathers, but this has been one of the most life changing. St. Gregory’s theologizing is not only beautiful, but imminently practical and something that comes to mind on a regular basis when completing the Christian life.

THE SYMBOLIC ASCENT OF MT SINAI IN 9 STEPS 1. HE ASCENDED THE MOUNTAIN 2. HE ENTERED THE DARKNESS 3. HE HEARD THE TRUMPET 4. HIS MIND WAS LIFTED-UP 5. HE APPROACHED THE DIVINE NATURE 6. HE WAS ENCLOSED WITHIN THE DIVINE TABERNCLE 7. HE WAS ADORNED FOR PRIESTHOOD 8. HE WAS GIVEN THE LAW 9. HE THEN WENT TO THE MOUNTAIN OF SABBATH REST 5 stars: highly recommended. Submitted 9-10-2020

This is a thought-provoking, easy to read story about the Great Moses. I have been looking for an affordable edition for quite awhile and this is it.

Amazing! Reading the writings of the fathers of the Early Christian Church, it's easy to see that they faced the same challenges that we do today. Human nature hasn't changed and Gregory uses events from the Life of Moses to illustrate how to live a virtuous life. Strongly recommended for anyone, but especially for people who are interested in seeing the continuity of Christian teaching over the last 2000 years.

In this extremely short work, Gregory of Nyssa, one of the great Greek Cappadocian Fathers, commends his readers Moses, the servant and man of God, as the par excellence of spiritual maturity and perfection. This is a spiritual exegesis (if such things exist nowadays). Meaning, Nyssa makes many interpretative moves that seems really foreign. I frequently found myself saying, “Is that even appropriate to say? Does the text allow that?” However, after accepting his Greek (Neo-Platonic) quarks, there is deep wealth in this book. I quote one of my favorites at length below: If, then, one should withdraw from those who seduce him to evil and by the use of his reason turn to the better, putting evil behind him, it is as if he places his own soul, like a mirror, face-to-face with the hope of good things, with the result that the images and impressions of virtue, as it is shown to him by God are imprinted on the purity of his soul. (44) sooholee.wordpress

I originally purchased this for a college seminar. I'd only read snippets of St. Gregory of Nyssa's works online. To be able to read one of his writings (translated of course) in total was a wonderful privilege and very enjoyable experience. I recommend this book to any serious theologian, theology student, or anyone who would like to know more about the early Church doctors.

Required reading for any Jonathan Pageau fan.

i thought it was going to be philosophically interesting. and it is, in a few places (maybe ten pages in total). but mostly it's just a pretty ordinary, orthodox, symbolic retelling of the life of moses. i'm sure if you're a christian it has some worth, but if not - it's not especially interesting. read key excerpts online and leave the rest alone. don't bother buying it.

Intuitive and good read

This was bought as a gift so I don't know what the recipient thought about it. He expressed pleasure at receiving it but no further details.