Book Symposium on Gregory of Nyssa's <i>On the Human Image of God</i>: An Appreciation of Responses

Abstract In response to the review essays by Rowan Williams, Morwenna Ludlow, Gabrielle Thomas, Paul Blowers and Martin Laird, this essay by John Behr addresses questions raised about translation methods and the complexities of understanding Gregory's rhetorical style as integral to his mode of writing theology. It relates the importance of reading single texts within an author's broader corpus, as well as how we read authors within a broader set of philosophical and theological traditions, both ancient and modern. Finally, the essay treats the dynamic role of intellect ( nous ) in Gregory's spiritual and theological vision.