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Torstein Theodor Tollefsen

Image of Torstein Theodor Tollefsen
Email t.t.tollefsen@ifikk.uio.no
Room 225 NT
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Visiting address Blindernveien 31 Georg Morgenstiernes hus 0313 Oslo
Postal address Postboks 1020 Blindern 0315 Oslo

Tollefsen holds his doctorate from the University of Oslo, where he defended his thesis The Christocentric Cosmology of St Maximus the Confessor (2000).

A revised version was published by Oxford Early Christian Studies (2008). Tollefsen works on ancient philosophy (Plato, Aristotle) and the philosophy of Late Antiquity (Neoplatonism). However, his main interest is in the philosophy of the Greek church fathers within the period of 300-900.

He focusses on metaphysics and cosmology, spirituality and the philosophy and theology of the icon.

He works on the Cappadocian fathers, Dionysius the Areopagite, Maximus the Confessor, John Damascene, and Theodore the Studite. Tollefsen's general philosophical interests are in the fields of metaphysics, ontology, and philosophy of religion. 

Tags: Philosophy, Ex.phil., Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion, Ancient Philosophy, Late Antiquity, Church Fathers

Publications

  • Tollefsen, Torstein Theodor (2022). Gregory Palamas and Dionysius. In Edwards, Mark; Pallis, Dimitrios & Steiris, Georgios (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Dionysius the Areopagite. Oxford University Press. ISSN 9780198810797. p. 288–298. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein Theodor (2022). Why should we protect the Scolitantides Orion (The Chequered Blue)? In Munteanu, Daniel (Eds.), Holding fast to the Mystery of Faith. De Gruyter Brill. ISSN 9783506791917. p. 49–64. doi: 10.30965/9783657791910_006. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2021). Christian Platonism in Byzantium. In Hampton, Alexander J. B. (Eds.), Christian Platonism, A History. Cambridge University Press. ISSN 9781108491983. p. 207–226. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein Theodor (2021). St Maximus the Confessor on the Mystery of Christ. In Demulder, Bram (Eds.), Questioning the World. Brepols. ISSN 9782503590752. p. 181–200. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2021). Eros and Agape - A Critique of Anders Nygren. In Grødum, Kari; Hägg, Henny Solfrid F.; Kaufman, John W. & Tollefsen, Torstein (Ed.), Love - Ancient Perspectives. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202726904. p. 17–29. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2019). Proclus, Philoponus, and Maximus: the paradigm of the world and temporal beginning. In Pavlos, Panagiotis G.; Janby, Lars Fredrik; Emilsson, Eyjólfur Kjalar & Tollefsen, Torstein (Ed.), Platonism and Christian Thought in Late Antiquity. Routledge. ISSN 9781138340954. p. 100–114. doi: 10.4324/9780429440465-7. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2018). On Energeia in St Gregory of Nyssa's Contra Eunomium I. In Brugarolas, Miguel (Eds.), Gregory of Nyssa, Contra Eunomium I. De Gruyter Brill. ISSN 9789004377080. p. 371–383. doi: 10.1163/9789004377097_016. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2017). Like a Glowing Sword: St Maximus on Deification, Visions of God and Ideas on Deification in Patristic Thought. Routledge. ISSN 9781138217713. p. 158–170. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2017). A Metaphysics of Holomerism. In Mitralexis, Sotiris (Eds.), Maximus the Confessor as a European Philosopher. Wipf and Stock Publishers. ISSN 9781498295581. p. 24–34. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2017). Whole and Part in the Philosophy of St Maximus the Confessor. In Mitralexis, Sotiris (Eds.), Studia patristica, vol. LXXXIX, Papers presented at the Seventeenth Conference on Patristic Studies in Oxford 2015, vol. 15.. Peeters Publishers. ISSN 9789042935853. p. 47–61. doi: 10.1093/oso/9780199237142.001.0001. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2016). Tid og evighet hos Hl. Maximos Bekjenneren. In Arentzen, Thomas; Eriksen, Uffe Holmsgaard & Johnsen, Henrik Rydell (Ed.), Mellan tid och evighet: Eskatologiska perspektiv i den tidiga kyrkan. Föreläsningar hållna vid Nordiska patristikermötet i Lund 18–20 augusti 2014. Artos & Norma bokförlag. ISSN 9789175808246. p. 141–151. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2015). Painting the image of the invisible God — St Theodore the Studite and the defense of icons under the iconoclast controversy. Synaxī. ISSN 1108-1007. 134, p. 69–76. doi: 10.1093/oso/9780198816775.001.0001. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2015). Saint Maximus the Confessor on Creation and Incarnation. In Gregersen, Niels Henrik (Eds.), Incarnation, On the Scope and Depth of Christology. Fortress Press. ISSN 9781451465402. p. 99–115. doi: 10.2307/j.ctt13wwwk5.8. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2015). Maximos Bekjenneren — En vevnad av mening. In Kristiansen, Ståle Johannes & Solberg, Peder Kvaale (Ed.), Gud er alltid større: Kirkefedrenes teologiske språk. Novus Forlag. ISSN 9788270998319. p. 261–272. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2015). Maximos Bekjenneren om treenigheten. In Sæther, Knut-Willy & Innerdal, Gunnar (Ed.), Trinitarisk tro og tenkning. Festskrift til Svein Rise. Portal forlag. ISSN 9788283140651. p. 107–113. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2015). Christocentric Cosmology. In Allen, Pauline (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Maximus the Confessor. Oxford University Press. ISSN 9780199673834. p. 307–321. doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199673834.013.15. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2013). Hva er skjønnhet? In Sæther, Knut-Willy & Rise, Svein (Ed.), Skjønnhet og tilbedelse. Akademika forlag. ISSN 9788232102105. p. 25–39. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2013). Hvorfor finnes det overhodet noe slikt som kristen kunst? In Sæther, Knut-Willy & Rise, Svein (Ed.), Skjønnhet og tilbedelse. Akademika forlag. ISSN 9788232102105. p. 199–210. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2013). Teologi og filosofi hos kirkefedrene. In Schuff, Hildegunn Marie T; Salvesen, Reidar & Hagelia, Hallvard (Ed.), Forankring og fornyelse : festskrift for Ansgarskolen 1913–2013. Portal forlag. ISSN 9788292712870. p. 125–141. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2012). "Philosophy and Orthodoxy in Byzantium". In Casiday, Augustine (Eds.), The Orthodox Christian World. Routledge. ISSN 9780415455169. p. 481–491. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2011). Patriarkatet i Konstantinopel. Arr - Idéhistorisk tidsskrift. ISSN 0802-7005. p. 97–105. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2011). Den treenige Gud. In Rise, Svein & Sæther, Knut-Willy (Ed.), En bok om Gud. Gudstanken i brytningen mellom det moderne og det postmoderne. Tapir Akademisk Forlag. ISSN 9788251928403. p. 39–59. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2010). Causality and Movement in St Maximus' Ambiguum 7. In Baun, J; Cameron, A & Vinzent, M (Ed.), Studia Patristica xlviii. Peeters Publishers. ISSN 9789042923744. p. 85–93. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2010). The Philosophy of Images. In Fløistad, Guttorm (Eds.), Contemporary Philosophy, Volume 10: Philosophy of Religion. Springer Science+Business Media B.V.. ISSN 9789048135264. p. 179–191. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2010). Gregory Palamas. In Mateo-Seco, Lucas Francisco (Eds.), The Brill Dictionary of Gregory of Nyssa. De Gruyter Brill. ISSN 9789004169654. p. 381–382. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2010). Cosmology. In Mateo-Seco, Lucas Francisco (Eds.), The Brill Dictionary of Gregory of Nyssa. De Gruyter Brill. ISSN 9789004169654. p. 175–179. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2010). Christianity and Philosophy. In Fløistad, Guttorm (Eds.), Contemporary Philosophy, Volume 10: Philosophy of Religion. Springer Science+Business Media B.V.. ISSN 9789048135264. p. 129–147. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2010). Skapelse og gjenopprettelse ifløge Maximus Bekjenneren. In Rise, Svein (Eds.), Danningsperspektiver. Tapir Akademisk Forlag. ISSN 9788251926522. p. 75–90. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2008). The Doctrine of Creation according to Dionysius the Areopagite. Papers and Monographs of the Finnish Institute at Athens. ISSN 1237-2684. xiv, p. 75–89. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2007). Essence and Activity (Energeia) in St. Gregory's anti-Eunomian Polemic. In Karfikova, Lenka (Eds.), Gregory of Nyssa, Contra Eunomium II. De Gruyter Brill. ISSN 9789004155183. p. 433–442. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2007). Cosmologia. In Mateo-Seco, Lucas Francisco (Eds.), Gregorio de Nissa Dizionario. Citta Nuova Editrice. ISSN 9788831193368. p. 153–157. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2007). Gregorio Palamas. In Mateo-Seco, Lucas Francisco (Eds.), Gregorio de Nissa Dizionario. Citta Nuova Editrice. ISSN 9788831193368. p. 305–307. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2007). God the Father and God the Trinity — Divine Causality in Cappadocian Thought. In Andia, Ysabel De (Eds.), Gott, Vater und Schöpfer. Tyrolia-Verlag. ISSN 9783702228354. p. 143–149. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2006). "Theosis according to Gregory". In Børtnes, Jostein & Hägg, Tomas (Ed.), Gregory of Nazianzus — Images and Reflections. Museum Tusculanums Forlag. ISSN 9788763503860. p. 257–270. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2006). "Gregorio Palamas". In Mateo-Seco, Lucas Francisco (Eds.), Diccionario San Gregorio de Nisa. Editorial Monte Carmelo. ISSN 9788472395367. p. 484–487. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2006). "Cosmologia". In Mateo-Seco, Lucas Francisco (Eds.), Diccionario San Gregorio de Nisa. Editorial Monte Carmelo. ISSN 9788472395367. p. 228-235–228-235. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2006). "The Divine Energeia According to St. Gregory of Nyssa". Philotheos: International Journal for Philosophy and Theology. ISSN 1451-3455. 6, p. 165–172. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2006). "St. Gregory of Nyssa's Concept of Hypostasis". Црквене студије. ISSN 1820-2446. 3, p. 25–38. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2006). "Did St. Maximus the Confessor have a Concept of Participation". Luca, The Semiannual Journal of Philosophy and Sociology. ISSN 0352-4973. xxi-xxii, p. 337–341. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2005). "The Holy Spirit and the Transformation of the Cosmos". In Andia, Ysabel De & Hofrichter, Peter Leander (Ed.), Der Heilige Geist im Leben der Kirche. Tyrolia-Verlag. ISSN 9783702227258. p. 373–379. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2005). "Icons and Reality". In Samalaviçius, Almantas (Eds.), Sacrum in Cultural Space. Vardö Seminar Foundation. ISSN 9789955979128. p. 43–46. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2005). "Noen refleksjoner omkring Aasmund Brynildsens essay "Det nye hjerte"". Kirke og kultur. ISSN 0023-186X. p. 161–167. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2005). "St Maximus the Confessor, philosopher or theologian?". Acta Societatis Morgensternianae. ISSN 1736-1230. II, p. 73–79. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2004). Kristen etikk � fra en patristisk synsvinkel. In Rise, Svein (Eds.), For Guds skyld? Om etikk og livssynsforankring. Tapir Akademisk Forlag. ISSN 9788251919593. p. 81–102. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2003). Maximos Bekjenneren � deltakelse og guddommeliggjørelse. In Johansen, Johannes (Eds.), Ortodokse røster i nord. Hl. Silouan Forlag. ISSN 9788798846017. p. 59–64. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2002). Homilie over saligprisningene av Gregor av Nyssa. In Bringsværd, Tor Åge; Braarvig, Jens Erland & Hagen, Alf van der (Ed.), Verdens hellige skrifter, Østkirken. De norske bokklubbene. ISSN 9788252541182. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Den barmhjertige samaritan hos kirkefedrene, Barmhjertighet og rettferdighet. Verbum Forlag. ISSN 9788254308721. p. 39–48. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Did St. Maximus the Confessor have a Concept of Participation? Studia patristica. ISSN 0585-542X. XXXVII, p. 618–625. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Etterord", Aasen, K.: Fra hjertet ¿ tanker rundt et tideverv. EDIZIONI PLUS Pisa University Press. p. 125–128. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Jesus Kristus og det nye Europa". In Røsæg, N.A. & Østnor, Lars (Ed.), 2000 Herrens år. Verbum Forlag. ISSN 9788254308448. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Aasmund Brynildsen: Det nye hjerte", Den etiske vending. Humanistisk kollegium 3. årg., Oslo. p. 84–92. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). Unity in Plurality According to St Maximus the Confessor. Diotima: revue de recherche philosophique. ISSN 1010-7363. 28, p. 115–122. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "The Concept of Participation in Greek Christian Thought of Late Antiquity". Opuscula, Examen Philosophicums småskriftserie. ISSN 0806-3656. p. 1–10. Full text in Research Archive

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  • Tollefsen, Torstein Theodor (2023). The Christian Metaphysics of St Maximus the Confessor. Brepols. ISBN 9782503600857. 260 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Grødum, Kari; Hägg, Henny Solfrid F.; Kaufman, John W. & Tollefsen, Torstein (2021). Love - Ancient Perspectives. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISBN 9788202726904. 161 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Pavlos, Panagiotis G.; Janby, Lars Fredrik; Emilsson, Eyjólfur Kjalar & Tollefsen, Torstein (2019). Platonism and Christian Thought in Late Antiquity. Routledge. ISBN 9781138340954. 376 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2018). St Theodore the Studite's Defence of the Icons, Theology and Philosophy in Nineth-Century Byzantium. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780198816775. 208 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2012). Activity and Participation in Late Antique and Early Christian Thought. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199605965. 240 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2008). The Christocentric Cosmology of St Maximus the Confessor. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199237142. 243 p. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Teologi i farger ¿ Ikoner i Norge. Verbum Forlag. ISBN 9788254308837. 78 p. Full text in Research Archive

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  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2009). Gregor av Nyssa, Oversatt og med innledning av Jørgen Ledet Christiansen, København 2007. Tidsskrift for teologi og kirke. ISSN 0040-7194. p. 78–79. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2006). "Ikonet og skjønnhetens teologi". Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. p. 30–35. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2005). "Noen refleksjoner omkring Aasmund Brynildsens essay "Det nye hjertet"". Kirke og kultur. ISSN 0023-186X. p. 161–167. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2005). "Det kristne menneskesynet". Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. p. 8–15. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2003). Gregor av Nyssa � om saligprisningene i Matteus 5, del I. Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. p. 48–53. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2003). Gregor av Nyssa � om saligprisningene i Matteus 5, del II. Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2003). Theosis according to St Gregory the Theologian. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2003). The Holy Spirit and the Transformation of the Cosmos. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2003). The Mystery of Christ as Key to the Cosmology of St Maximus the Confessor. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2002). Inkarnasjon og guddommeliggjørelse. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2002). Ikoner og liturgi. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2002). Gregor av Nyssa om saligprisningene i Matteus 5. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2002). Platonismen som forutsetning for kirkefedrenes tenkning. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2002). Renselse. Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. p. 60–66. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2002). Patriarken og økologien. Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. 14(3-4), p. 62–67. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Forholdet mellom kristen tro og den menneskelige, vitenskapelige tanke. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Ortodoks spiritualitet. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Ørkenfedrenes spiritualitet. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Ikoner, teologi i farger. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Hva har Athen med Jerusalem å gjøre? Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Kristendom og modernitet. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Gregor av Nyssa ¿ om veksten i det åndelige livet. Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. 13(2), p. 11–19. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Bønnens plass i Dionysios Areopagitens teologi. Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. p. 12–19. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2001). Ikoner. [Radio]. Radioprogram : Verdibørsen, NRK. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "The Concept of Hypostasis according to St. Gregory of Nyssa". Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Den barmhjertige samaritan hos kirkefedrene". Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Den åndelige utviklings tre stadier ifølge Maximos Bekjenneren". Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Dionysios Areopagiten om bønn". Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Gregor av Nyssa om det åndelige livet". Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Den kosmiske Kristus". Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Det ortodokse festdagsikonet for Kristi fødsel". Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. 12. årg.(4). Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Den oldkirkelige Kristusbekjennelsen i møtet med den moderne Jesus-forkynnelsen". Ung Teologi. ISSN 0333-340X. 33 årg.(2), p. 37–43. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Faste og Påskefest". Over alt. ISSN 0802-2550. 12.årg.(1), p. 48–55. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). "Lars Thunberg, Människan och kosmos ¿ Maximos Bekjännarens teologiska visjon, Artos bokförlag 1999, 200 s.". Norsk Teologisk Tidsskrift. ISSN 0029-2176. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). Utarbeidelse av opplysningsmateriale til utstillingen "Teologi i farger", Humanioradagene 2000. [Radio]. Krypten i Oslo Domkirke : Hist.-phil. fak., Humaniorakomiteen.. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (1999). Jesus Kristus og det moderne Europa. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (1999). Did St. Maximus the Confessor have a concept of Participation? Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (1999). Det uskapte lyset, ortodoks mystikk. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). The Christocentric Cosmology of St. Maximus the Confessor. Full text in Research Archive
  • Tollefsen, Torstein (2000). The Christocentric Cosmology of St. Maximus the Confessor. Det historisk-filosofiske fakultetet, UiO. Full text in Research Archive

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Published Dec. 14, 2010 3:01 PM - Last modified Mar. 9, 2018 1:09 PM

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