The One and the Three: Nature, Person and Triadic Monarchy in the Greek and Irish Patristic Tradition

The One and the Three explores parallels between Byzantine and early Irish monastic traditions, finding in both a markedly trinitarian theology founded on God’s contemplation and ascetic experience. Chrysostom Koutloumousianos refutes modern theological theses that affect ecclesiology, and contrasts current schools of theological thought with patristic theology and anthropology, in order to approach the meaning and reality of unity and otherness within the Triadic Monad and the cosmos. He explores such topics as the connection between nature and person, the esoteric dimension of the Self, the relation and dialectic of impersonal institutions and personal charisma, and perennial monastic virtues as ways to unity in diversity.

Table of Contents

"Preface by Prof. Andrew Louth
Introduction
PART I - APPROACHING THE TRINITARIAN MONAD
Chapter One: THE QUEST FOR A PERSONALISTIC ONTOLOGY
1. Transcending the tragedy
2. The monarchy of the Father
3. Drawing implications for the Many
Chapter Two: MONARCHY AND TRINITY IN THE GREEK AND IRISH FATHERS
1. The ‘middle point’
2. The unfathomable mode of existence
3. The semantic value of ‘monarchy’ in trinitarian theology
3.1 Aition and the source of unity
3.2. Subordination
3.3. Godhead, the Father’s prerogative?
3.4. Perichoresis and essential unity
Chapter Three: PERSON AND GRACE
1. Nature as against Person
2. Deification and Personhood
PART II - SUBJECTIVITY AND CATHOLICITY: THE MONASTIC PARADIGM
Chapter One: THE INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY
1. Way Home
2. The Trinitarian aspect
3. The Body Image
4. The monastic model
5. Different notes - the One and the Many
6. Reaching the unity of the monad
6.1 From obedience to discretion
6.2 Spiritual paternity
6.3 Introversion and Nepsis
6.4 Love and Sympathy
6.5 Unpossessiveness
6.6 Liturgy versus Asceticism?
6.7 Triadic and Monadic in Virtue
7. The Locus of Unity - A person?
Chapter Two: INSTITUTION AND CHARISMA
1. Identification and distinction
2. Essential realities and institutionalism
3. Charisma in monasticism
4. Holiness and sacramental efficacy
5. The vicarious Christi and the people
6. Meanings of order
7. Image and mimesis
8. Amazing Grace
9. Hierarchy and divine energy
10. Ideals and accidents
Conclusive remarks
LAST PROLOGUE"