Palamite Influence in Contemporary Pneumatology

Abstract

This century has seen a renaissance of Palamite theology, and though this has been recognised by a small number of Western theologians, responses have rarely gone further than sympathetic descriptions on the one hand, and the reiteration of traditional criticisms on the other. This paper seeks to explore the use made of Eastern Orthodox, and specifically Palamite theology, as a constructive theological resource in the area of pneumatology by one contemporary theologian who has gone beyond this impasse, Anna Marie Aagaard. The question of the possible broader but indirect influence of Palamism will also be raised with reference to the pneumatology of Michael Welker.