Chapter Six Saving Sophia: Notes Toward an Orthodox Philosophy of Nature

Abstract

Blessed Theodoret of Cyrrhus, one of the last great Antiochian theologians of the patristic era, wrote extensively of nature understood as “creation,” and thus as open to divine Wisdom and infused with divine energies. He may be taken as representative of a Great Tradition of Orthodox theology that, among many other facets, show how creation is not a closed system, as modern naturalism claims, but is everywhere turned toward its Creator. But why is this view of creation now neglected, leaving the understanding of nature to modern natural science understood positivistically as a metaphysic that is hostile to any concept of divine activity? It is argued that this neglect is due largely to the rejection by neopatristic theology (and notably Florovsky and Lossky) of the “sophiology” of Fr Sergei Bulgakov. But this rejection has left a lacuna in our understanding of creation that needs to be filled by a retrieval of creation as approached in the Great Tradition.

But that what came into being might not only be, but be good, it pleased God that his own Wisdom should descend to the creatures, so as to introduce an imprint and a likeness of Wisdom’s Image on all in common and on each… And therefore has this imprint of Wisdom in the works been brought into being, that, as I said before, the world might recognize in it its own Creator the Word, and through Him the Father.

St. Athanasius (St. Athanasius, “Four Discourses Against the Arians,” Discourse II, 79, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Volume 4.)

The order of the universe is a kind of musical harmony of varied shapes and colors with a certain order and rhythm, an arrangement that is integral and in accord with itself and never dissonant, even if different parts vary greatly… The song of God’s glory produced by such a rhythm and composed of every creature with different qualities is indeed transcendent.

St. Gregory of Nyssa (St. Gregory of Nyssa, Commentary on the Inscriptions of the Psalms, Archbishop Iakovos Library of Ecclesiastical and Historical Sources No. 17, Hellenic College Press, p. 28.)

Now in the springtime, when nature is wearing its most beautiful apparel, one feels inexpressible joy when this natural beauty is accompanied by a sublime spiritual state. Truly our holy God has made all things in wisdom. The soul cannot get enough of beholding the beauty of nature.

Elder Ephraim (Elder Ephraim, Counsels from the Holy Mountain, (Florence, AZ, St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery: 1999) p. 1.)

Supplements

Supplement I

• Clement’s First Letter, Section 20 (c. AD 96)

The heavens move at his direction and peacefully obey him. Day and night observe the common course he has appointed them, without getting in each other’s way. The sun and the moon and the choirs of stars roll on harmoniously in their appointed courses at his command, and with never a deviation. By his will and without dissension or altering anything he has decreed the earth becomes fruitful at the proper seasons and brings forth abundant food for men and beasts and every living thing upon it. The unsearchable, abysmal depths and the indescribable regions of the underworld are subject to the same decrees. The basin of the boundless sea is by his arrangement constructed to hold the heaped up waters, so that the sea does not flow beyond the barriers surrounding it, but does just as he bids it. For he said, “thus far you shall come, and your waves shall break within you.” The oceans which men cannot pass, and the worlds beyond it, are governed by the same decrees of the Master. The seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, peacefully give way to each other. The winds from their different points perform their service at the proper time and without hindrance. Perennial springs, created for enjoyment and health, never fail to offer their life-giving breasts to men. The tiniest creatures come together in harmony and peace. All these things the great Creator and Master of the universe ordained to exist in peace and harmony. Thus, he showered his benefits on them all, but most abundantly on us who have taken refuge in his compassion through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and majesty forever and ever. Amen.

Supplement II

• From Christ Is in Our Midst: Letters from a Russian Monk, 28 August, 1954

In his day, the prophet David said: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’”, and here you have joined yourself to this foolishness. You think so flippantly, but I believe deeply and am convinced that God exists, there is a future life, there is eternal torment for sinners and eternal bliss for the righteous.

How could I not believe in God when wherever I look, everywhere I see and contemplate God’s wisdom and goodness. With what wisdom everything is created, and how harmonious is the whole earthly sphere! The Holy Church sings: “How magnificent are thy works, O Lord; Thou hast made all things in wisdom.” Thy works are marvelous, Lord; wherever I look, everywhere I see thy creative hand. I look at the sun and see it shedding light like a golden plate and warming the whole globe. And what numbers of animals abound in the forest, each with its own characteristics. The horse is so large, and yet it obeys man; the Lord created it to help man. And the cow eats hay and its stomach makes nourishing milk for man. And the meek lamb, how much good it does for man; we get fur coats, stockings and much else. I look at the bird kingdom—simply marvelous, how decorative they are and what a variety of species. And in the earth what a variety of worms and insects; there are even worms that shine at night like lights. I look at the ant and wonder at its labors—it exposes my laziness. And the wise bee gathers such sweet honey for man from the different flowers. And look in the water; there is the special kingdom of fish, how many different species; all live and move according to God’s purpose.

I love nature altogether. I come into the forest and wonder at every tree and knoll and I contemplate the Almighty Creator….

Again I am wondering at God’s creation. I love the moonlit nights of winter, everywhere utter silence; I put on my fur coat, felt boots and warm cap, go out into the yard and marvel at God’s wisdom—the moon is shining, and so many stars, the whole sky is adorned with them, far away and still farther, just single little stars endlessly. Marvelous are thy works, O Lord, in wisdom Thou hast made them all!

The more I look at nature, the more I wonder at and come to know the omnipotence of the Creator. I was not educated; I have not even read scientific books; I have written this from my feelings, having read the Bible a great deal. My life has passed; I am already in my 82nd year.