"This impressive study, both detailed and comprehensive, will become among the most significant studies of Gregory of Nyssa’s ascetical theology in the last 15 years and will likely remain so for quite some time."—Martin Laird, O.S.A., Professor of Early Christian Studies, Villanova University
"This rich and theologically-sensitive study probes asceticism’s relationship to the body in fascinating ways. By using Gregory’s idea of spiritual ascent as an interpretative lens, Cadenhead makes two important claims: that Gregory’s views developed over his lifetime and that his concepts of spiritual and physical maturation were intimately connected."—Morwenna Ludlow, Professor of Christian History and Theology, University of Exeter