Denys the Areopagite /
Andrew Louth.
- Wilton, Conn. : Morehouse, 1989.
- x, 134 pages ; 23 cm.
Bibliography: p. viii-ix.
Introduction: the intellectual world of the late fifth century -- A liturgical theology -- The angelic choirs -- The earthly liturgy -- The nameless God of many names -- Visions and Darkness -- Afterlife -- Conclusion
The writings ascribed to the Athenian convert of St. Paul, Denys (or Dionysius) the Areopagite, made their first appearance in the early sixth century. Since then, until the Renaissance and beyond, they have exercised an enormous influence on Christian thought, both in the East and in the West. Yet who their author really was remains an insoluble mystery. This book expounds the theological vision of these writings, a vision that draws both on the great Greek theologians of the fourth century – the Cappadocian Fathers – and on the stridently pagan philosophical tradition of late Athenian Neoplatonism, as well as showing affinities with the Christian thought of Syria, where 'Denys' probably came from. His world is Christian, monastic, liturgical, with a lively sense of the celestial realm of the angels, and he expresses his understanding of its significance through a bold use of the categories of pagan philosophy. His theology combines a compelling vision of beauty of God's world and his revelation, with a profound awareness of the ultimate mystery of the unknowable God who utterly transcends all being.