palamism

Palamism is a theological doctrine primarily associated with Gregory Palamas, a 14th-century Byzantine monk and theologian. It is most notably known for its defense of Hesychast spirituality and its articulation of the distinction between God's essence and energies. This distinction is central to Palamite theology and has been a significant point of debate within Eastern Orthodox and broader Christian theological discourse.

At the heart of Palamism is the idea that while God's essence remains incomprehensible and unknowable to human beings, His energies or operations are accessible and can be experienced through divine revelation and spiritual practices. This distinction allows for a form of mystical union with God, where the essence of God remains transcendent, but His energies are immanent and transformative. This concept is rooted in the teachings of the Greek Fathers, particularly the Cappadocian Fathers and Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite.

Palamism gained prominence during the Hesychast controversies of the 14th century, where it was defended against the charges of heresy leveled by Barlaam of Calabria and other critics. The Hesychast movement emphasized the practice of inner prayer and the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me") as a means to achieve theosis, or deification, a state of union with God. Palamism provided the theological framework that supported these practices, asserting that through the proper spiritual disciplines, one could experience the uncreated energies of God.

The Second Council of Constantinople in 1351 formally endorsed Palamism, solidifying its place within Eastern Orthodox theology. This council's decisions were later reaffirmed by subsequent councils, ensuring that Palamite teachings remained a cornerstone of Orthodox Christian thought. Palamism continues to influence Eastern Orthodox spirituality and theology, particularly in its emphasis on the mystical experience of God's presence and the transformative power of divine grace.