Book contents
- The Problem of the Devil in Cappadocian Thought
- The Problem of the Devil in Cappadocian Thought
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1 Problematising the Devil
- 2 The First Fallen Angel
- 3 Know Thine Enemy by Name
- 4 Christ’s Defeat of the Devil
- 5 The Church’s War Against the Devil
- 6 Becoming Diabolic in Gregory of Nyssa’s Homilies On the Beatitudes and On the Lord’s Prayer
- 7 The Devil in Gregory of Nyssa’s Homilies On the Song of Songs
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
5 - The Church’s War Against the Devil
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 May 2026
Book contents
- The Problem of the Devil in Cappadocian Thought
- The Problem of the Devil in Cappadocian Thought
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1 Problematising the Devil
- 2 The First Fallen Angel
- 3 Know Thine Enemy by Name
- 4 Christ’s Defeat of the Devil
- 5 The Church’s War Against the Devil
- 6 Becoming Diabolic in Gregory of Nyssa’s Homilies On the Beatitudes and On the Lord’s Prayer
- 7 The Devil in Gregory of Nyssa’s Homilies On the Song of Songs
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
Chapter 5 examines how the Cappadocians utilise an array of protective measures against the devil. The sacrament of baptism is the first defence and the greatest protection against the devil’s attacks; at the same time, however, baptism heightens the likelihood of the devil’s advances. Amongst the numerous tactics that they employ to combat the ongoing threat of the devil, the Cappadocians appeal to the sign of the cross. They also teach on wearing the whole armour of God. These forms of protection emphasise the eschatological nature of the devil’s defeat, since they recall what Christ has done while also highlighting how spiritual warfare continues throughout the Christian life.
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- The Problem of the Devil in Cappadocian Thought , pp. 135 - 160Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
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