Causes Quote by Gregory of Nazianzus
“How is it... that the Son and Holy Spirit are not co-unoriginate with the Father, if they are co-eternal with Him? Because they are from Him, though not after Him. 'Being unoriginate' necessarily implies 'being eternal,' but 'being eternal' does not entail 'being unoriginate,' so long as the Father is referred to as origin. So because They have a cause They are not unoriginate... a cause is not necessarily prior to its effects... Because time is not involved, They are to that extent unoriginate... for the sources of time are not subject to time.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Orations of Gregory of Nazianzus, 4th century
The Father is the origin; the Son and Holy Spirit derive from Him, sharing eternity but not being unoriginated themselves.
In simple terms: Father is source; Son and Spirit come from Him, sharing eternity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize relational origin in divine nature.
Themes
theology
trinitarian doctrine
eternity
causality
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- philosophical discussion
- academic study
Key Concepts
origination
eternal relationship
causal hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does relational origin affect understanding of divinity?
- Can eternity coexist with derivation?
A Different Perspective
The concept of unorigination may be philosophically contested.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)