Abstract
The Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith is perhaps the most logically structured and inspired work not only in the oeuvre of the seventh-to-eighth-century theologian John Damascene, but most likely throughout the entire Greek Patristic literature. As such, the Exact Exposition definitely presents some quite intriguing features, such as the prolific use of logical distinctions, syllogisms, or full-fledged arguments, to name a few. Regarding the latter, John Damascene's use of certain arguments in order to prove the existence of God not only hold a unique place in Byzantine theology but have also exercised a tremendous influence on Eastern Orthodox apologetics. However, what I would call his rationalization agenda comes not only with merits but with faults as well. It is to both these that the present study draws attention by evaluating them logico-philosophically and interpreting them religio-hermeneutically. What is of special interest is the fact that John Damascene's logical faults are the most interesting parts of his theologizing.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1167 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Religions |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2024 by the author.
Keywords
- cosmology
- divine revelation
- existence of God
- gnoseology
- ontology
- proofs
- syllogisms