Encyclopedia of Medieval Philosophy

2011 Edition
| Editors: Henrik Lagerlund

Gregory Akindynos

  • Georgi Kapriev
Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9729-4_197
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Abstract

Gregory Akindynos (1300–1348) is one of the most important figures during the first phase of the hesychastic controversy in Byzantium. Practicing himself the hesychastic way of life, he attacked the main thesis of Palamas, who differentiates natural and creative energy of God in connection with Creation. He does not deny the essential uncreated energy of God, but he considers it identical to the divine essence itself. This energy is embraced by the creative energies of God. Akindynos’ teaching is entirely christological. According to him, there can be no other access to Divinity except for Christ and the practicing of supernatural love, called forth by the sacramental participation. In order to prove his theses, Akindynos develops a precise hermeneutic teaching concerning the works of the Christian Fathers.

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Bibliography

Primary Sources

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  • Georgi Kapriev
    • 1
  1. 1.Faculty of PhilosophySofia University St. Kliment OchridskiSofiaBulgaria