The Dionysian Mystical Theology

The Dionysian Mystical Theology introduces the Pseudo-Dionysian mystical theology with glimpses at key stages in its interpretation and critical reception through the centuries. In part one, the elusive Areopagites own miniature essay, The Mystical Theology, is quoted in its entirety, sentence by sentence, with commentary. Its cryptic contents would be almost impenetrable without judicious reference to the rest of the Dionysian corpus: The Divine Names, The Celestial Hierarchy, The Ecclesiastical Hierarchy, and the ten Letters.

Of special importance is the Dionysian use of negations in an apophatic theology that recognizes the transcendence of God beyond human words and concepts. Stages in the reception and critique of this Greek corpus and theme are sketched in part two: first, the initial sixth-century introduction and marginal comments (Scholia) by John of Scythopolis; second, the early Latin translation and commentary by the ninth-century Carolingian Eriugena and the twelfth-century commentary by the Parisian Hugh of St. Victor; and third, the critical reaction and opposition by Martin Luther during the Reformation. In conclusion, the Dionysian apophatic is presented alongside other forms of negative theology in light of modern and postmodern interests in the subject.

Author: Paul Rorem
Publisher: Fortress Press
Published: 09/01/2015
Pages: 157
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.57lbs
Size: 9.02h x 6.06w x 0.12d
ISBN: 9781451495829

About the Author
Rorem, Paul: -

Paul Rorem is Benjamin B. Warfield Professor of (Medieval) Ecclesiastical History Emeritus at Princeton Theological Seminary and a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He has published extensively in the field of early and medieval Christian history. Rorem serves as editor of Lutheran Quarterly and the Lutheran Quarterly Books series at Fortress Press.

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