Nicolae Corneanu: Patristic confessions

  1. Lemma
  2. Nicolae Corneanu: Mărturisiri patristice
  3. Romanian
  4. Stavinschi, Alexandra
  5. Orthodox theological tradition and practice > Patristic studies - Scientific theories and disciplines > Religious studies - Orthodox theological tradition and practice > Cult and spirituality - Key thinkers - Ecumenism and dialogue > Dialogue between churches
  6. 27-1-2017
  7. Bădiliţă, Cristian [Author]. Nicolae Corneanu: Patristic confessions
  8. Stiinta dragoste credinta. Convorbiri cu patrologi europeni. [Science faith love. Conversations with European patrologists]
  9. Evagrius Ponticus - Origen - Saint John of the Ladder - interreligious dialogue - Early Church Fathers
    1. 168-175

    1. The chapter is based on a conversation between Cristian Badilita and Nicolae Corneanu (21 November 1923 - 28 September 2014), who at the time was the metropolitan bishop of Banat. He is considered as one of the finest Romanian experts in patristic studies, and was a disciple of the renowned classicist and patrologist I.G. Coman. Corneanu, we are told, was also open to the secular culture and was a model of civility and humble intelligence that marked the post-revolutionary period.

      At the beginning of the interview, he is invited to talk about his education and early career as a patristician. Since in Romania there is still no report available, Corneanu is asked to provide a historic overview on the topic, from his readings and especially from his memories, which could help to reconnect the past with the future.

      Corneanu firmly believes that the Church Fathers can help to bring closer the three main Christian traditions: Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant, considering that in the last two decades Protestants have become increasingly interested in the topic. According to him, it is crucial that traditional churches refrain from showing an exclusivism that could push the others away. The conversation moves to the translations and analysis of the works of the Fathers, with particular attention to John of the Ladder. Corneanu believes that John of the Ladder summarizes everything that had been said before him in the spiritual field. The bishop then talks about the steps of purification and spiritual ascent, and of the final aim and limit of spiritual progress. He is also invited to comment on Evagrius and Origen. Going back to the Ladder, Corneanu claims that it is clearly addressed to everyone, not just to the monks, and that in addition to summarizing the whole patristics prior to it, it also systematizes it and links it to a suggestive symbol.