Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite

Letters of Dionysius the Areopagite (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

The 'Letters of Dionysius the Areopagite' is a collection of ten letters written by the mysterious figure known as Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. This book holds a unique place in Christian mysticism, as it combines Neoplatonic philosophy with Christian theology to explore the nature of God and the relationship between the divine and the human. Pseudo-Dionysius's writing style is highly symbolic and mystical, making use of allegory and imagery to convey profound spiritual truths. The literary context of these letters is rooted in the traditions of late antique and early medieval Christian mysticism, as well as the philosophical thought of the Neoplatonists. Readers will find themselves drawn into a world of theological exploration and spiritual contemplation as they delve into the rich content of these letters. Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite was a Christian theologian and philosopher living in the late 5th to early 6th century. His writings have had a lasting impact on Western Christian thought and mysticism, influencing thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas and Meister Eckhart. Pseudo-Dionysius's work is characterized by its synthesis of Christian doctrine with Neoplatonic philosophy, making him a key figure in the development of Christian mysticism. I recommend the 'Letters of Dionysius the Areopagite' to readers interested in the intersection of theology and philosophy, as well as those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian mysticism. This book offers a unique perspective on the nature of God and the journey of the soul towards union with the divine.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: DigiCat
• Seitenzahl: 30
• Erscheinungstermin: 19. November 2023
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547726647
• Artikelnr.: 69360370

Autorenporträt

Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite is an influential and enigmatic figure in the history of Christian theology and philosophy whose corpus emerged in the late 5th to early 6th century. While little is known about the true identity of this author, the name adopted refers to Dionysius the Areopagite, a Biblical figure converted by St. Paul in Athens as described in the Acts of the Apostles. Pseudo-Dionysius is famed for his formulation of mystical theology, which deeply integrates Neoplatonic thought with Christian dogma, framing the divine as an unfathomable transcendental One, beyond being and knowledge. The corpus attributed to him includes works like 'The Celestial Hierarchy,' 'The Ecclesiastical Hierarchy,' 'The Divine Names,' 'The Mystical Theology,' and the collection 'Letters of Dionysius the Areopagite,' which sheds light on his thoughts and interpretations of Christian mysticism. His works have profoundly influenced the Eastern Orthodox and Western Churches, especially through their Latin translations by John Scotus Eriugena in the 9th century. Pseudo-Dionysian writings are characterized by a distinct literary style that employs apophatic theology—the practice of describing God by negation—asserting that one can only come to know God by recognizing what He is not. This paradoxical method has led to the Pseudo-Dionysian works being studied and revered as guidebooks on the soul's journey towards union with the ineffable Divine.