Participation and Righteousness in Paul and Gregory of Nyssa – A Conversation with Dr. Joshua Heavin

In this episode of the Dionysius Circle podcast, I explore with New Testament scholar Dr. Joshua Heavin his recent article on participation in Christ and divine and human righteousness. Drawing from both Paul’s letters and the theology of St. Gregory of Nyssa, we examine how righteousness is not merely a moral property but, at its deepest level, a person — Christ himself. We also unpack Gregory’s fourfold model of participation and how it offers a transformative vision of the Christian life. 00:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Joshua Haven and His Work 00:00:20 Dr. Haven's Background and Education 00:01:34 If someone asked you to point to one or two passages where Paul kind of most clearly teaches that we participate in Christ, where would you begin and why would you begin there? 00:03:13 Union with Christ in Paul's Letters 00:06:49 Challenges in Defining Participation in Christ 00:08:29 Relationship Between God and Creation 00:09:14 Dr. Haven's Study of Righteousness and Gregory of Nyssa 00:15:20 Insights from Gregory of Nyssa on Paul 00:19:56 Themes of Union with Christ in Church Identity 00:27:15 Gregory of Nyssa's Theological Concepts 00:34:41 Metaphysical Participation and Divine Simplicity 00:39:58 Types of Participation in Christ by Gregory 01:01:14 Conclusion on Gregory's Relevance to Christian Life