Systems of Universal Apocatastasis in Ancient Greek Philosophy and Their Influence on Saint Gregory of Nyssa

Abstract

This article examines the origins of the views of Saint Gregory of Nyssa on the problem of apocatastasis in ancient thought. There have been no comprehensive studies on this narrow topic. There is a dissertation that partially examines this issue, but mainly from the point of view of anthropology. Therefore, this work contains scientific novelty. It uses the problem-chronological method and comparative analysis. The object of the study is the systems of apocatastasis in ancient Greek philosophy and their influence on Christianity, namely Origen and Saint Gregory of Nyssa. The subject of the study is the works by these authors, ancient Greek philosophers, and scientific works on this topic. As a result of this study, three concepts of "all-restoration" in ancient thought were identified. Probably, Saint Gregory could have inherited the very idea of universal apocatastasis and the name from the Stoics. But otherwise, their systems are incompatible. He borrowed more ideas on the problem of universal restoration from Plato, although the latter does not use this term referring to his concept. Saint Gregory may have adopted the principle of catharsis through suffering from Plato. Also, Saint Gregory and Plato had similar thoughts about the purpose of hardships and sufferings in earthly life – self-fulfillment in good. He probably also borrowed them from the ancient Greek philosopher, as well as the aporia between "all-restoration" and Hades, where endless torment of sinners occurs. As shown in the work, Origen adopted many of Plato’s ideas about the world structure, which were not contained in the works by Saint Gregory of Nyssa. It was not Origen who had the greatest influence on Saint Gregory, but Plato, whose thoughts they adopted independently of each other. Still, Origen did have a certain influence in the form of the idea of the "purifying" fire. Plato's image of man as a doll of the gods could have influenced Saint Gregory of Nyssa. Then, if only goodness comes from above, it will restore its toy to a better state. However, this thesis contradicts the Orthodox teaching on the free will of man. The third Neoplatonic system of apocatastasis is largely borrowed from the Stoics, so apart from the name, it has nothing in common with the concept of St. Gregory of Nyssa.