[TruthTalk] Perichoresis

[Judy Taylor]

Here are two definitions, one by Gregory Nazianzus who came up with the word "Perichoresis" in the 4th Century and the other by Leonardo Boff.  Neither of whom appear to understand the nature of God. In his theology, Gregory Nazianzus advocated the doctrine of the Trinity, including the full divinity of both Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He emphasized that Jesus did not cease to be God when he became a man, nor did he lose any of his divine attributes when he took on human nature. He also proclaimed the eternality of the Holy Spirit, saying that the Holy Spirit's actions were somewhat hidden in the Old Testament but much clearer since the ascension of Jesus into Heaven and the descent of the Holy Spirit at the feast of Pentecost. Gregory Nazianzus is given the title 'Gregory the Theologian' by Eastern Orthodoxy, a title he shares with John the Apostle, also known as John the Theologian. He is widely quoted by Eastern Orthodox theologians and highly regarded as a defender of the Christian faith. Perichoresis resists adequate translation; "being-in-the-other" comes close. For Leonardo Boff, the concept suggests that strict logic will not suffice for our trinitarian faith, but only the mystery of absolute communion, a "dance" of mutuality, solidarity, and love. For Boff, the Trinity demands faithful practice and not "merely" right doctrine; it must animate our hopes and our work toward a society of communion and not division, embracing rather than vanquishing our differences. The "dance" of the Trinity in which the divine persons live in and from and for each other in perpetual love invites us to embrace the rich complexity of our brothers and sisters in all their wondrous, even discomfiting diversity. Would this not be a sign of hope for a divided world? Would this not shed new light on our deliberations in Philadelphia? Can a legislative body "dance" with new life? In our common woundedness, not just any god but only the Triune God can save us. "Dance of the trinity?" Like they are three people dancing with one another?  This is polytheism. I see God as ONE and He made us in His image in that as He is One being who is triune in nature and so are we.  We are primarily spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body of flesh and blood. He is a loving Father (the will of God), His Word (Jesus) has always been part of Him, and so has His Spirit.  How would it be if I described my body, soul, and spirit as a Community involved in some kind of divine dance - I would surely be picked up by the men in the white coats :).  judyt From: "Jonathan Hughes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Judy says: .  To me there is a huge difference between his notes on scripture and the concept of Perichoresis from the 4th Century which has no basis in scripture.   Jonathan replies:  Hi Judy, please describe what you mean by the ‘concept of Perichoresis’.  If you are going to disagree lets find out if we are disagreeing on the concept or the definition.