THE HOLY SPIRIT ACCORDING TO THE FATHERS OF THE CHURCH: FROM PRE-NICENE TO THE FIRST FILIOQUE CONTROVERSIES (2ND ”” 8TH CENTURY)

Abstract

The article shows the developments of pneumatology in the patristic era. These developments were already important in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. But reflection intensified especially during the 4th century, in the context of controversies with those who denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit. Athanasius and the Cappadocian Fathers made a major contribution at that time, and the formulations of the Council of Constantinople are the fruit of their work. Later still, the doctrine on the Spirit gave rise to new clarifications, both on the Latin side (especially with Augustine) and on the Greek side. The divergences on the « Filioque » since the Middle Ages should invite us to gather the testimonies of the Fathers who, despite sometimes different expressions, shared basically the same faith in the Spirit.