Raționalitatea creației și cunoaștere în lumina gândirii teologice a Sfinților Trei Ierarhi și a Sfinților Grigore de Nyssa și Maxim Mărturisitorul

Abstract

The rationality of creation is a consecrated and comprehensive topic in the patristic reflection. The rational character of creation attracts the human soul to knowledge and shows that the entire existence is the creation of a rational Being, the creation of God. In the prayer to God the Father, our Savior Jesus Christ testifies: “this is the eternal life to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent” (John 17,3). Patristic Gnoseology highlights both the importance of knowing God and His works, as well as the need for man to advance in knowledge with wisdom. The Holy Fathers clearly state that man cannot know God in His Being. God makes himself known to man through His energies and works. But the knowledge that comes from God is genuine. The Holy Scripture shows that in the present age we know “in part” and we will know “fully” when “that which is perfect will come” (I Corinthians, 13). The incomplete character of knowledge in the present age can be highlighted including in top fields of current scientific research. For illustration, we focus on research in Computer Science. But the divine providence is obviously also present in the present age and is revealed to us including through the rational character of creation. In this article we study aspects related to the rationality of creation and knowledge in the light of the theological thinking of the Holy Three Hierarchs and Saints Gregory of Nyssa and Maximus the Confessor.