Symeon the New Theologian

Predestination (Part III)

April 25, 2015 By EO Leave a Comment

This is part three on Symeon the New Theologian who wrote on the Biblical topics of predestination and fore-ordination. St Symeon reflects the consensus of teaching of the Church, long before John Calvin made it the cornerstone of his system. Repentance and predestination to salvation – Symeon the New Theologian While he was still in […]

Predestination (Part II)

April 25, 2015 By EO Leave a Comment

This is part two of three posts on Symeon the New Theologian who wrote on the Biblical topics of predestination and fore-ordination. Symeon reflects the consensus of teaching of the Church, long before John Calvin made it the cornerstone of his own system. The Fore-Ordained The Church is the body of Christ, His bride, the […]

Predestination (Part I)

April 25, 2015 By EO Leave a Comment

Symeon the New Theologian was born in Galatia in the year 949. He was educated in Constantinople, and became abbot of the monastery of St. Mamas. He reposed on March 12, 1022. In his second Ethical Discourse, he discusses a number of topics, including St. Paul’s doctrine of predestination and following the consensus of the […]

“No doctrine concerning the divine and saving mysteries of the faith, however trivial, may be taught without the backing of the holy Scriptures. We must not let ourselves be drawn aside by mere persuasion and cleverness of speech. Do not even give absolute belief to me, the one who tells you these things, unless you receive proof from the divine Scriptures of what I teach. For the faith that brings us salvation acquires its force, not from fallible reasonings, but from what can be proved out of the holy Scriptures.” Cyril of Jerusalem (ca. 313-386)