Essence-energy distinction

[LeonardDeNoblac]

Eastern “Orthodox” theology (at least since the time of Gregory Palamas ) teaches that the energies of God are really distinct from His essence, and yet they also are God. How do they reconcile this doctrine with Divine Simplicity?

 

[Wesrock]

To paraphrase what I’ve encountered: “God is Simple, but he’s God, he’s beyond understanding. You Latins stop trying to rationalize everything. You can’t rationalize God.”

I don’t mean to be insulting with that, though it’s probably a bit of a caricature. I’d be interested in actual Eastern thoughts. But certainly Latins and Greeks understand terms like Simplicity and Essence differently in their respective theologies.

 

[Genesis315]

In general, I’ve found this older post helpful on the essence and energies issue:

Essence and Energies distinction? Eastern Catholicism

The “debate” is, in my opinion (and I’ve devoted a LOT of time to studying this topic), a mountain out of a molehile. Long story short, both East and West have always spoken of the Essence and Energies of God (Energy is translated into Western theological use as “activity” or “operations”). Prior to the Schism there was really no division on this issue; that came with theological developments in the Byzantine East with St. Gregory Palamas and his debate with a theologian called Barlaam (in the 1…