The Concepts of «Theology» and «Philosophy» in Greek Ecclesiastical Writings of II–III Centuries (Part I)

Abstract

The article analyzes the nature of the use of the terms of the group «theology» and «philosophy» by Greek ecclesiastical authors of the II–III centuries: Greek apologists, with special attention to St. Justin Martyr, Clemens of Alexandria, Origen, St. Hippolytus of Rome, St. Gregory the Wonderworker, the connections between the meanings of the terms «theology» and «philosophy» in the ancient cultural tradition and among Christian authors are traced, the peculiarities of the application of these terms to Christianity and to pagan mythology and philosophy are considered.