Toward the methodology of ascetic theology

Abstract

In modern Orthodox theological literature, the topic of the methodology of theological research is quite actively discussed. Theologians use general scientific methods, including the humanities and social sciences. Of course, they also use general theological methods and formulate ideas about methods in particular theological sciences: biblical studies, patrology, etc. This publication discusses the possibilities of identifying and analyzing the theological methods of hesychast asceticism. It is proposed to identify methods in ascetic discourse using the extensive written heritage of St. Theophan the Recluse, a significant theologian and hesychast ascetic. A number of methods that took place in the ascetic texts of St. Theophan are listed, and brief comments are given on each method. Of these methods, special attention is paid to the “ladder” method and the synergy method.