Maximus the Confessor Quotes
Maximus the Confessor was a seventh-century Greek Christian monk and theologian and one of the great architects of Eastern patristic thought. After service in the imperial court at Constantinople, he entered the monastic life and traveled to North Africa and Rome, where he led the opposition to the imperially backed monothelite Christology. The quotes below are attributed to Maximus the Confessor, organized by topic.
Browse Maximus the Confessor by topic
Maximus the Confessor on God
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Attributed to Maximus the Confessor:
“Theology without practice is the theology of demons.”
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Attributed to Maximus the Confessor:
“Knowledge of God is found in the love of one's neighbor.”
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Attributed to Maximus the Confessor:
“The mystery hidden from all eternity is Christ.”
Maximus the Confessor on Knowledge
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“Ambiguum 10, 1189B-C; trans. Andrew Louth , Maximus the Confessor (Routledge, 1996) pp. 144 -145.”
And with animals , if we approach them in a rational way we shall find a trace of the intelligible in them which is a not unworthy imitation of what is above reason. For if we look at those beings that naturally care for their offspring, we are encouraged to define for ourselves reverently and with godly boldness that God exercises providence in his sovereign uniqueness over all beings.
Maximus the Confessor on Love
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“God is love, and the way to God is love.”
Ambiguum 10, 1189B-C; trans. Andrew Louth , Maximus the Confessor (Routledge, 1996) pp. 144 -145. -
Attributed to Maximus the Confessor:
“He who loves God cannot help loving every man as himself.”