On God and Christ, The Five Theological Orations and Two Letters to Cledonius: St. Gregory of Nazianzus

Popular Patristics Series #23

by Gregory of Nazianzus

Gregory of Nazianzus, "The Theologian," was recognized among the Cappadocian Fathers as a peculiarly vivid and quotable exponent of the doctrine of God in Trinity. A brilliant orator and accomplished poet, he placed before the Church his interpretation of the sublime mystery of the God revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These five sermons, probably delivered as a series at the small chapel of the Resurrection in Constantinople, where Gregory was the bishop in charge of loyal "Nicenes," contain Gregory's profound teaching. The English translation aims to capture for the present-day reader something of the atmosphere of intellectual excitement and spiritual exhilaration experienced by his first listeners. In addition, this work contains a new translation of Gregory's letters to Cledonius, which contain more focused reflections on the person of Jesus Christ, laying the groundwork for later Christology.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Christian, Religion, Classics, Church History, Nonfiction

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 379

About the author

Gregory of Nazianzus (Greek: Γρηγόριος ὁ Ναζιανζηνός Grēgorios ho Nazianzēnos; c. 329–25 January 390), also known as Gregory the Theologian or Gregory Nazianzen, was a 4th-century Archbishop of Constantinople, and theologian. He is widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. As a classically trained orator and philosopher he infused Hellenism into the early church, establishing the paradigm of Byzantine theologians and church officials.

Gregory made a significant impact on the shape of Trinitarian theology among both Greek- and Latin-speaking theologians, and he is remembered as the "Trinitarian Theologian". Much of his theological work continues to influence modern theologians, especially in regard to the relationship among the three Persons of the Trinity. Along with the brothers Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers.

Gregory is a saint in both Eastern and Western Christianity. In the Roman Catholic Church he is numbered among the Doctors of the Church; in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches he is revered as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs, along with Basil the Great and John Chrysostom.

He is also one of only three men in the life of the Orthodox Church who have been officially designated "Theologian" by epithet, the other two being St. John the Theologian (the Evangelist), and St. Symeon the New Theologian.

Reviews

[Emma Whear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg is the verifiable man.

Rarely does Trinitarian theology crack me up, but my boy Greg kills the absolute game.


In all seriousness, this is a work of satirical, rhetorical art.

[Sam Blades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bro: on God bro?

Gregory: bro on God AND Christ bro

[Samuel G. Parkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I was prepared for the humor in this book; St. Gregory is hilariously sarcastic in these orations. I also don’t think I was prepared for the clarity and sophistication of his thought. I cannot comprehend why the works of the patristics are not discussed and explored more often. I get the fact that they are men, who are thus mixed bags (e.g., I read Gregory, and I totally get why Eastern Christianity went down the theosis path), but our historic creeds didn’t come out of a vacuum, and the church fathers who labored at them did serious, conservative, reverent theological work to arrive where they did. The reverence of “On God and Christ” for today is shocking.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

St Gregory’s discussion of who should discuss theology (and when and how) is just... wow

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory was worth the hype. These sermons are theologically rich but still understandable. These works are all centered on the Trinity and the Divine/human nature of Christ. He defends both doctrines from heresy with some of the best and clear explanations I’ve ever heard. He even manages to work in some jokes. What a gift to still be able to read these sermons.

[Ben Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Basil's contemporary Gregory, also of the 300s AD, historically. Refreshing to get a glimpse into some of the oldest documented Christian, extra-biblical writings. One of the biggest encouragements is that these doctrines (trinity, divinity of Jesus incarnate...etc.) were clearly set forth from the earliest Christian witness. Just a couple generations down and we have codified, theological discussions between established Biblical scholars.

Similar to reading Gregory's contemporary St. Basil a few weeks ago, Gregory here also refuses to pull any punches. His bold and direct approach is possible due to his complete confidence in the Scriptures and the truth within. One of my favorites, from the Oration 29 as he calls out those who consider Jesus entirely separate from the Father:

"Make your choice of the alternative blasphemies, you empty-headed theologian, since you are fully intent on blaspheming."

[Ryle]

gotta love Greg

[Steven Azzara · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I was reading through Nick Needham's volume 1 of 2000 Years of Christ's Power, this work by Gregory of Nazianzus was recommended for reading concerning the trinity. In this short book, Nazianzus addresses God's eternal nature, the personhood of each person of the divine trinity, and several heresies already in circulation (ie Sabellianism; the belief that God is one person, who appears as three different modes of the one person, the Father, Son, and Spirit). Nazianzus distinguishes between the persons of the godhead by using terms "unbegotten", "only-begotten", and "what proceeds from the Father and the Son" to describe God the Father (unbegotten), the Son (the only-begotten), and the Spirit (what proceeds from the Father and the Son). The language that orthodox Christians use today for the Divine Trinity clearly come from Nazianzus' thoughts and works.

[Maria Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory is savage and hilarious in his attack against the Eunomian heretics. He argues with precision and beauty. He's purposefully long-winded at times (he tells us this was the rhetorical style of his day), but he always ties it back into the main argument. Gregory's Theological Orations are splendid reflections on the powers and limitations of human reason, the necessity of faith, and the proper use of Scripture.

[Grant Carter]

One of my favorite books I've read this year. If I could recommend one church father to read it would be my boy Gregory. His style is akin to Martin Luther. Gives some great illustrations and thoughts on the covenants in Scripture.

[Simona Sanduleac · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read, he was definitely a fiery priest.

[Peyton Gunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory was a savage

[Chase Selcer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dense. Challenging. Rewarding. Gregory says more in a paragraph than most contemporary writers can say in a chapter or even an entire book. Paragraphs 19–20 in Oration 29 are reason enough to read the whole thing.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Gregory is the most rambunctious of the Church Father’s I’ve read so far, which made this a surprisingly fun and invigorating read.

[Scott Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking the time to sit under St Gregory’s teaching on the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit cultivates a heart of worship and love of a Triune God.

The second oration included brought me to tears as it relentlessly described the majesty, grandeur, and beauty of the Father. Humorous in the way that Gregory refutes those who are against his views, it is often laughable the way he deals with the heretics and impious theologians of his time.

The first oration included in this book should be prerequisite reading for all seminary students; for the conversation of theology should have a time and a place and not become the forefront of all word and speech.

[Conner Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is so important. Gregory’s sermons are incredibly rich, including a careful exposition of the truth that eternal relations of origin within the Trinity do not necessitate subordination. On my most recent read, I am especially thankful for Gregory’s instruction regarding the appropriate context for theological discussion and the necessity for personal holiness in those with the desire to pursue theological study.

[Wagner Floriani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite after Athanasius On the Incarnation. Memorable, punchy, and refreshing.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many riches to be taken from this work!

[Braxton Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent classic!

[Jonathan Suggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply incredible!

[Chandler Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The unassumed is the unhealed.” An excellent and classic patristic work on the doctrine of God the Trinity.

[Samuel Bierig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a Q&A format. Very clear....and he has some really fun zingers that keep you moving along. That said, the 4th Century patristics on the Trinity is what we need today. They are worth plowing through, despite their difficulty. You'll need to read with a pair of patristic lenses in order to understand how they exegete and why they ask the questions they ask of the text. (1) Read the Nicene Creed 2 or 3 times before reading and you'll understand their questions better. (2) They are concerned with, very rightly, the creator/creature distinction. IOW, God is not like us! which pushes us to ask the hard questions act the divinity of the Son and the Spirit. Either he is or he isn't divine and that is all the difference. There is an infinite distance between the creator and the created or creation. This gives us a hermeneutical key for which to read the whole of Scripture.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great theology (though a bit too neo-platonic at times), impressive prose, but a bit of an obnoxious author.

On my second read-through (which was sort of an accident) I'm less concerned about the neo-Platonism, since I see better now how he modifies it through Scripture. I'm also struck now (likely because this was assigned for a "classics of personal devotion" course) by how, well, devotional the orations are. The primary aim in all the arguing and theologizing is awe of God's glory, shock at his incarnation, and gratefulness for his gospel.

[Aaron Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

The five theological orations of Gregory are among the best writings I have read in my seminary education and my Christian life. I will forever be in this man's debt for my understanding of the work of theology and the doctrine of God. For deeper engagement with this work, see my essay "Old Doctrine in New Clothes" on aaronvday.wordpress.com

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doing a little digging into the Cappadocian Fathers. A great piece of theology, with some excellent words toward frivolous theologians at the beginning of the First Theological Oration!

[Salvador Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine you walk into a little country church and G-Naz starts popping off like this:

"As man he was baptized, but he absolved sins as God; he needed no purifying rites himself–his purpose was to hallow water. As man he was put to the test, but as God he came through victorious— yes, bids us be of good cheer, because he has conquered the world. He hungered —yet he fed thousands. He is indeed 'living, heavenly bread.' He thirsted—yet he exclaimed: 'Whosoever thirsts, let him come to me and drink.' Indeed he promised that believers would become fountains. He was tired yet he is the 'rest' of the weary and the burdened (87).

I hope to read a lot more from him in 2026. This is a must-read for all those reading classic works on the Trinity and doctrine of God. I also hope to follow G-Naz's wisdom and not make theology small talk.

"Who should listen to discussions of theology? Those for whom it is a serious undertaking, not just another subject like any other for entertaining small-talk, after the races, the theater, songs, food, and sex: for there are people who count chatter on theology and clever deployment of arguments as one of their amusements "(27).

Two other quotes:

"Do we make life a meditation of death?" (31).

"It is more important that we should remember God than that we should breathe" (28).

[Misael Galdámez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely will need to re-read at some point. I struggled through this book, but there is also some great content. Gregory of Nazianzus was clearly a character, and it’s evident in his writings. I think having slightly more background in the philosophy and heresies of the time would have been helpful.

That said, I came away with quite a bit. For one, theology must only be done by those seeking to live lives of holiness and in humility. In addition, God has progressively revealed himself through history and time, leading to the understanding of the Trinity, which we saw in shades in the OT. It’s also far more useful to use the language of scripture than trite metaphors.

Towards the end of some of the orations, he has some beautiful writing on the roles of the Son and Spirit. My boy Gregory goes off on the paradox of Godhead made man.🔥”The unassumed is the unhealed, but what is united to God is saved.”

[Bertie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would have been really good required text for a Trinity graduate course. 172 pages, straight to the point, readable, thorough for its length, at times funny (St. Gregory was not amused by his opponents use of grammar and logic to try and undermine orthodox interpretation and he was very sharp in his addresses to them), and the introduction of the person of St. Gregory in the beginning was interesting - including his temptations and sinfulness. Truly a holy man.

[Travis Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a tier with Athanasius’s On the Incarnation; its lesser publicity more a product of the disparate nature of his writings (a collection of treatises and letters instead of a single work) than their worth. When he responds in defense of the Son (and Spirit!), and his glory and honor being no less than the Father, his answers are gold, still found in variations in systematic theologies today.

[Matt Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly incredible. An absolute must-read for anyone interested in the task of theology, the doctrine of the trinity, and the development of orthodox Christian beliefs. I wish more Christians would read this book!