Sex & Grace Winter 2002

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Along with his friends and fellow bishops Sts. Gregory of Nyssa and Basil of Caesarea, Gregory was part of the famous trio called the Cappadocian Fathers. During his life, 329-389, he wrote a tremendous amount of poetry: some 19,000 lines are still extant.

"In Praise of Virginity," one of Gregory's longer theological poems, nicely complements Gregory of Nyssa's more ethical treatment "On Virginity," described by Todd Billings on the previous pages. In the introduction, Gregory speculates on the "singularity" of the Godhead and the angels; in a second part, marriage and virginity personified debate one another on who is more godly. Virginity triumphs in the end, but marriage is also given high praise.

This selection is from the first section of the poem, where Gregory lays out a theological agenda rich with Christian imagination, delivered with lyrical and rhetorical skill. Along with Gregory of Nyssa's "On Virginity," this poem emphasizes the companionship found in virginity: the one who knows no spouse is yoked only to the Bridegroom Christ. Unique to this poem, perhaps, is a greater interest in the priority of virginity, or singleness, in the design of God's creation: virginity imitates the relations of heaven.-Scott Johnson

Let us wreathe Virginity in our garlands,

singing from clear hearts in clearest hymns.

For this is the choicest offering of our life,

brighter than gold or amber or ivory:

by these things, virgin desire casts down pedestrian life,

flying on wings of mind towards the high-ruling God.

And, as the song begins, let those who are pure come join in the praises:

for the gift of song is common to all who are blameless.

But let the malevolent muzzle their ears with doors;

but if any would open them, let them

hallow their ...

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