The Cappadocian Mothers: Deification Exemplified in the Writings of Basil Gregory and Gregory

The Cappadocian Fathers had great influence on the church of the fourth century having brought their passion for Christ and theological expertise to life in their ministry. Their work was not devoid of influence including that of their immediate family members. Within their writings we uncover the lives of seven women the Cappadocian Mothers who may have had more influence on the theology of the church than previously believed. As the Cappadocians wrestle with the Christianization of the concept of deification we find the women in their lives becoming models for their theological understanding. The lives of the women become points of intersection in the kenosis-theosis parabola. Not only are the Cappadocian Mothers uncovered in the texts but they become models of an optimistic theology of restoration for all of humanity without constraint of gender. Carla Sunberg has crafted a significant piece of historical retrieval. She has mined the writings of fourth-century Cappadocian Fathers to learn of the significant witness and influence of the women who helped shape their understanding of how one becomes a participant in the divine nature. Her meticulous research demonstrates that without these mothers in faith the fathers would lack living witnesses for their formulation of early Christian understandings of Christology mystical theology and Trinitarian construction. Besides these remarkable women challenged regnant notions of the inferiority of women. Sunberg has bridged a major gap in scholarship and the whole church will profit. --Molly T. Marshall Central Seminary Carla Sunberg presents powerful examples of women--mothers and sisters--who embodied and taught theosis. . . . The Cappadocian Mothers will inspire all who seek to live holy Christlike lives full of love. --Don Thorsen Azusa Pacific University Seminary In this volume on the Cappadocian Mothers Carla Sunberg has provided a great gift to the modern church. . . . While the first part is a treasure trove of ancient wisdom the latter part brings it home to the life of contemporary Christians. Sunberg addresses issues such as gender and class equality women in ministry leadership as well as how the life of theosis is grounded in the Christian household. --Cheryl Bridges Johns Pentecostal Theological Seminary This informative well-researched and accessible volume is important for women and men pastors and teachers historians and storytellers. --MaryAnn Hawkins Anderson University School of Theology and Christian Ministry Carla Sunberg presents powerful examples of women--mothers and sisters--who embodied and taught theosis sometimes translated from the Greek as deification or growth in holiness Christ-likeness and love. Weve only recently become aware of these ancient church women and Sunberg unveils how their lives and teachings embody spiritually formative practices relevant today. The Cappadocian Mothers will inspire all who seek to live holy Christ-like lives full of love. --Don Thorsen Professor of Theology Azusa Pacific University Seminary Well-versed in feminist hermeneutical methodology Carla Sundberg has crafted a significant piece of historical retrieval. She has mined the writings of fourth-century Cappadocian Fathers to learn of the significant witness and influence of the women who helped shape their understanding of how one becomes a participant in the divine nature. Her meticulous research demonstrates that without these mothers in faith the fathers would lack living witnesses for their formulation of early Christian understandings of Christology mystical theology and Trinitarian construction. Besides these remarkable women challenged regnant notions of the inferiority of women. Sandberg has bridged a major gap in scholarship and the whole church will profit. --Molly T. Marshall President Professor of Theology and Spiritual Formation Central Seminary Histo