Does God the Word play games? Some Notes on “playing Logos” in Ambigua of St Maximus the Confessor

What is it about?

In his 'Ambigua to John,' Maximus the Confessor discusses a passage of Gregory Nazianzen describing divine Logos that “plays in all kinds of forms.” The context of St Maximus’ commentary allows restoring the basic meaning of ‘playing’ and ‘playthings,’ which hardly match the typical image of God. Playing games is considered an unserious, primarily childish occupation, that has neither substantial cause nor aim. If adults take part in games, they do it for pedagogical goals only. The article emphasises four main approaches of the Ambiguum 71 to ‘acquit’ the image of ‘playful’ God. All four parts of the Ambiguum are linked together in a common structure. This structure is expected to be directly derived from the triad “practical philosophy — natural contemplation — mystical theology,” which was very often used by Maximus the Confessor.

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Photo by Jordan Rowland on Unsplash

Photo by Jordan Rowland on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Playing games is a common feature of human beings in every culture and period of history. This study provides an insight into the understanding of playing and games as it was described by St Maximus the Confessor, a Byzantine theologian of the 7th century AD.

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