St. Gregory of Nyssa: The father of mysticism

St. Gregory of Nyssa was a 4th century Bishop who is highly revered by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church in the west. His take on prayer, Christocentric focus, theosis (divinization), and emphasis on God as infinitely transcendent illuminates a pathway to Christian mysticism and the divine.If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).If you have any questions, you can email us at [e-mail]. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.You can visit our podcast website HERE.

[@AquariusGate]

41:17
I like to think of Moses as a metaphor of now.
The parting of the waves is symbolic of two bodies of water that can swallow armies. Past and future rule those realms. The causeway is a timeless cause that brings our senses back to what we're doing in the moment.

[@AquariusGate]

21:02 I can see imperfection as forming it's own kind of perfection in nature.
The unity of nature is only realised from the multiplicity of species, flora and fauna.
Right down to individual, time sensitive imperfections that granulate to a perfect ecosystem.

[@thomashennigan1676]

I don't agree that St. Gregory of Nyssa is the father of mysticism. Origen is a great mystic who lived fro the end of
The second century to the Middle of the third century.

[@christianmysticismpodcast]

Thanks so much for writing.
You're right in pointing to Origen as a father of Christian mysticism. His influence is undeniable, especially due to his take on the interpretation of biblical texts, and the fact that the highest of his multiple interpretative levels -- the spiritual -- requires the gift of mystical insight.
As for Gregory of Nyssa being the sole owner of this title: I didn't say this was my opinion, but simply mentioned that this title is given to him by some historians and theologians. I've always been somewhat skeptical about such titles and the criteria on which they are based.
The same thing applies to Augustine being "the prince of mystics", etc.
I only mention these titles on our podcasts because I think it is important to know how any mystic's influence has been interpreted. It adds context.
Peace and all the best,
Carlos