The Cappadocian Mothers : Deification Exemplified in the Writings of Basil, Gregory, and Gregory

An examination of the women in the lives of the fourth-century Cappadocian Fathers, and their influential role in the emerging theology of the early church. The Cappadocian Fathers had great impact on the church of the fourth century,having brought their passion for Christ and their theological expertise to life in their ministry. While Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory of Nazianzus are well known,the women of their families were also highly influential. In The Cappadocian Mothers, Carla D. Sunberg uncovers the lives of seven women who may have had more effect on the theology of the church than previously believed. As the Cappadocians wrestle with the Christianization of the concept of deification, we find the women in their lives becoming models for their theological understanding.The lives of the women become points of intersection in the kenosis-theosis parabola. Not only are the Cappadocian Mothers brought to life in the texts, but they become models of an optimistic theology of restoration for all of humanity without constraint of gender.