Pagan Philosophy
Definition
Man as a small world containing the elements of the universe; Gregory of Nyssa accepts the term but inverts its pagan sense — man’s greatness lies not in what unites him to the cosmos but in what distinguishes him: creation in the image of God.
Episodes
Related Concepts
- Microcosm Μικρὸν Κόσμον
Biblical References
- Genesis 1:26-27 — Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness, so they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move on
- 1 John 4:16 — *And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has in us. God is love, and the one who resides in love resides in God, and God resides in him. *
- Galatians 5:19-21 — Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenne
- Romans 8:6 — *For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace, *
- Psalm 62:2 — *He alone is my protector and deliverer. He is my refuge; I will not be upended. *
- Job 2:5-6 — *But extend your hand and strike his bone and his flesh, and he will no doubt curse you to your face!” So the Lord said to Satan, “All right, he is in your power; only preserve his life.” *