The Thomistic Institute The Christian Responses St. Gregory and St. Augustine to the Roman Empire | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Dec 12, 2023
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., discusses the Christian responses of St. Gregory and St. Augustine to the Roman Empire, exploring their interpretations of the gospel, the influence of Roman history, and their preaching on marriage laws, divorce, the death penalty, and God's mercy towards sinners.
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The Logos Reclaims Pagan Learning For God
- Gregory frames the Logos (Word) as superior to imperial culture, arguing Christians can appropriate pagan learning rightly under the Logos.
- He uses Origin's 'Egyptian gold' motif to show truth taken from pagans belongs to God when used rightly.
Gregory's Counterattack On Julian The Apostate
- Emperor Julian's short reign (361–363) provoked Gregory's invectives as Julian promoted pagan revival and restricted Christian education.
- Gregory's orations 4 and 5 directly counter Julian by relativizing claims of Greek pagan superiority.
Basil's Boldness Dismays Imperial Officials
- Gregory's Funeral Oration for Basil recounts Basil's fearless confrontation with imperial officials and Emperor Valens, demonstrating episcopal parrhesia.
- The prefect's amazement and Basil's calm during the Epiphany liturgy highlight episcopal moral authority.