On Mystical Theology
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On Mystical Theology is a work by Pseudo-Dionysius, a 6th-century Syrian monk who sought to synthesize Neoplatonic philosophy with Christian theology and mystical experience. The treatise explores negative theology, which emphasizes the unknowability of God by negating all human concepts and images as inadequate to describe the divine reality. This approach, also known as apophatic theology, contrasts with affirmative (kataphatic) theology, which uses positive terms to describe God. Pseudo-Dionysius argued for a "God beyond God" and a divine Darkness, suggesting that true contact with the transcendent involves going beyond all positive descriptions, even of the Trinity. This mystical theology points to an experience of divine reality beyond rational comprehension.123
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ScholasticismRoots of Scholasticism…and Peri mustikes theologias ( On Mystical Theology)—called himself “Dionysius the Presbyter” and, to say the least, suggested that he was actually Denis the Areopagite, a disciple of St. Paul the Apostle (Acts of the Apostles). In reality, almost all historians agree that Pseudo-Dionysius, as he came to be called,…
Read More…and Peri mustikes theologias ( On Mystical Theology)—called himself “Dionysius the Presbyter” and, to say the least, suggested that he was actually Denis the Areopagite, a disciple of St. Paul the Apostle (Acts of the Apostles). In reality, almost all historians agree that Pseudo-Dionysius, as he came to be called,…
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ScholasticismRoots of ScholasticismThus, On Mystical Theology concluded by finally relativizing also the negations, because God surpasses anything that humans may possibly say of him, whether it be affirmative or negative.
Read MoreThus, On Mystical Theology concluded by finally relativizing also the negations, because God surpasses anything that humans may possibly say of him, whether it be affirmative or negative.
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