The first in-depth study of Gregory of Nyssa, this book shows how for Gregory the darkness of faith is what unites the believer with God. Through this union by faith alone, God yet speaks through the deeds and discourse of the believer. While the believer is immersed in the darkness of unknowing, they are also transformed in light. Laird alters the way in which we understand Gregory's mystical theology.

• Introduction


• 1: The exaltation of faith: the state of current research


• 2: The flow of the mind


• 3: The grasp of faith


• 4: The grasp of faith and supranoetic union


• 5: Fountain of presence, breasts of wine: the flow of knowledge in the `In canticum canticorum'


• 6: Christ speaking himself: the logophatic discourse of Paul and the bride


• 7: The luminous dark revisited


• Conclusion

Martin Laird is Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, Villanova University.