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Abstract
This is a study of the thirty-two homilies of John Chrysostom on the Epistle to the Romans with anthropology, soteriology and askesis as the focus.
Chrysostom's theology of the Fall and Redemption is presented here, and a comparison is made with Augustine with regard to 'original sin.' His views on free-will and predestination are also investigated, and synergy (synergia--cooperation between God and man) is found to be at the heart of his theology of human salvation and perfection.
With regard to sin and evil, Chrysostom places the responsibility for both on human negligence (rhathimia) and evil desire. His ideas with regard to the salvific work of Christ and the effects of the Incarnation on human nature are examined and the unity of God and man in Christ is found to be the par excellence synergia between the human and the divine in the mind of Chrysostom.
The last part of this study focuses on Chrysostom's concept of the Christian life. Contrary to the label of 'moralist,' which some scholars have given him, and the claims that he lacks in his spiritual teaching, it is seen here that he proposes a spiritual system based on the Gospel and enriched by his monastic experience. His achievement is that he adapted complex theological concepts and the monastic ascetic teachings to the life of city-dwellers. The ascetic life he proposes for them is based on faith in Christ, correct dogmas, and an ardent love of God and fellow man which manifests itself in a variety of good works including the virtues. An essential element of this spiritual struggle is the effort to keep one's heart and mind pure from sin and even from the desire toward sin by exercising watchfulness (nepsis). The ultimate goal of this askesis is not to create a moral or virtuous human being, but to assist man attain the highest level of existence, the likeness of God and the blessedness of the Kingdom.
