Divine Energies and Divine Action: Exploring the Essence-Energies Distinction

Although the essence-energies distinction is central to Eastern Orthodox theology, it has long been a source of puzzlement and confusion. Through a careful study of its classical, biblical, and patristic sources, David Bradshaw clarifies its meaning and shows how it remains foundational for a properly Christian understanding of the relationship of God to the world. Among the topics covered are: How the distinction emerged from the synthesis of ancient Greek philosophy and biblical thought The relationship of the divine energies to other important patristic concepts such as the divine logoi, the divine processions, and the “things around God” How the distinction enables a new approach to issues relating to divine action and divine-human synergy Why the concept of the divine energies has been neglected or misunderstood in the West Although the essence-energies distinction is central to Eastern Orthodox theology, it has long been a source of puzzlement and confusion. Through a careful study of its classical, biblical, and patristic sources, David Bradshaw clarifies its meaning and shows how it remains foundational for a properly Christian understanding of the relationship of God to the world. Among the topics covered "David Bradshaws 2004 book Aristotle East and West showed him to be the preeminent interpreter of Gregory Palamas in our times. Now, in this latest book, Bradshaw has given us the most compelling and sophisticated account of the essence-energies distinction currently available. Even better than in his previous book, he shows its rootedness in the classical, biblical, and patristic traditions and its ability to resolve problems generated by Western theology and contemporary philosophy of religion. All Christian philosophers and theologians will find here a convincing case that the essence-energies distinction is necessary for a coherent, realist metaphysics or theology." MARK SPENCER , University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota " Divine Energies and Divine Action is the product of consummate patristic scholarship and a powerful and original philosophical intellect. It will be an indispensable prerequisite for engaging the conversation about the energy or activity ( energeia ) of God." BRUCE FOLTZ , Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida Foreword vii Preface xi Acknowledgments xv Abbreviations xvii 1. The Concept of the Divine Energies 1 2. The Divine Energies in the New Testament 27 3. The Divine Glory and the Divine Energies 57 4. Essence and Energies: What Kind of Distinction? 81 5. The Divine Processions and the Divine Energies 119 6. Perceiving Nature as It Is: The Divine Logoi and the Divine Energies 133 7. In Defense of the Essence-Energies Distinction: A Reply to Critics 151 8. Afterword: Of Essence, Energies, and Computer Programs 171 Bibliography 205 Index