THE MORAL IDEAL OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE WORKS OF DOROTHEUS OF GAZA AND JOHN OF DAMASCUS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

This article presents an attempt at a comparative analysis of two alternative ideals of Christian morality, based on the spiritual legacy of John of Damascus and Dorotheus of Gaza, both representatives of the later period of Patristic literature. Key differences between their views are identified from the perspective of 21st-century moral doctrine and humanism. The article also explores the reasons why Dorotheus’ views are unsustainable on a broader socio-political scale.