Dionysius the Areopagite and the Neoplatonist Tradition

Despoiling the Hellenes

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Religion & Spirituality
Cover of the book Dionysius the Areopagite and the Neoplatonist Tradition by Sarah Klitenic Wear, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Sarah Klitenic Wear ISBN: 9781351159821
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 28, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Sarah Klitenic Wear
ISBN: 9781351159821
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 28, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

'Dionysius the Areopagite' is arguably one of the most mysterious and intriguing figures to emerge from the late antique world. Writing probably around 500 CE, and possibly connected with the circle of Severus of Antioch, Dionysius manipulates a Platonic metaphysics to describe a hierarchical universe: as with the Hellenic Platonists, he arranges the celestial and material cosmos into a series of triadic strata. These strata emanate from one unified being and contain beings that range from superior to inferior, depending on their proximity to God. Not only do all things in the hierarchy participate in God, but also all things are inter-connected, so that the lower hierarchies fully participate in the higher ones. This metaphysics lends itself to a sacramental system similar to that of the Hellenic ritual, theurgy. Theurgy allows humans to reach the divine by examining the divine as it exists in creation. Although Dionysius' metaphysics and religion are similar to that of Iamblichus and Proclus in many ways, Pseudo-Dionysius differs fundamentally in his use of an ecclesiastical cosmos, rather than that of the Platonic Timaean cosmos of the Hellenes. This book discusses the Christian Platonist's adaptation of Hellenic metaphysics, language, and religious ritual. While Dionysius clearly works within the Hellenic tradition, he innovates to integrate Hellenic and Christian thought.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

'Dionysius the Areopagite' is arguably one of the most mysterious and intriguing figures to emerge from the late antique world. Writing probably around 500 CE, and possibly connected with the circle of Severus of Antioch, Dionysius manipulates a Platonic metaphysics to describe a hierarchical universe: as with the Hellenic Platonists, he arranges the celestial and material cosmos into a series of triadic strata. These strata emanate from one unified being and contain beings that range from superior to inferior, depending on their proximity to God. Not only do all things in the hierarchy participate in God, but also all things are inter-connected, so that the lower hierarchies fully participate in the higher ones. This metaphysics lends itself to a sacramental system similar to that of the Hellenic ritual, theurgy. Theurgy allows humans to reach the divine by examining the divine as it exists in creation. Although Dionysius' metaphysics and religion are similar to that of Iamblichus and Proclus in many ways, Pseudo-Dionysius differs fundamentally in his use of an ecclesiastical cosmos, rather than that of the Platonic Timaean cosmos of the Hellenes. This book discusses the Christian Platonist's adaptation of Hellenic metaphysics, language, and religious ritual. While Dionysius clearly works within the Hellenic tradition, he innovates to integrate Hellenic and Christian thought.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Oracles of the Three Shrines by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book When the Bubble Bursts by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Natural Theology in the Scientific Revolution by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Building Social Security by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Cities and Race by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Rhetoric and Communication Perspectives on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Mozarabs in Medieval and Early Modern Spain by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Welfare, Ethnicity and Altruism by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Business Process Management by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Transcultural Japan by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book The Spenser Encyclopedia by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book An Introduction to African Politics by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Lyotard by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Religious Education in the Early Years by Sarah Klitenic Wear
Cover of the book Soil Conservation in Perspective by Sarah Klitenic Wear
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy