The Beauty of the Unity and the Harmony of the Whole

by Kharlamov, Vladimir

• ISBN13: 9781606081648
• ISBN10: 1606081640
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-01-01
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Pub

Summary

This book traces the emergence and development of the deification theme in Greek patristic theology and its subsequent transformation into the theology of theosis in Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. This volume dwells on the deification theme as it is situated in the complex context of its historical development and thus avoids the common tendency to treat this notion of Christian theology in an anachronistic manner. Significant attention is given to the influence of Neoplatonism on Pseudo-Dionysius. His theology is justified neither as essentially orthodox Christian nor as essentially orthodox Neoplatonic. Dionysius's sophisticated synthesis of Christian and Neoplatonic elements, especially in his exposition of theosis, does justice to this anonymous author's originality and demonstrates the importance of his influence both on the further development of Christian theology, and on the advancement of the Neoplatonic tradition. The intricate cultural background of the Pseudo-Dionysian world helps clarify the formation process of Christian imperial identity, and throws additional light on why these works were attributed to Dionysius the Areopagite, not as a conscious forgery, but as a literary device. Such attribution was a common practice of the time. Comprehensive analysis of the development of the deification theme opens possibilities for further study of Trinitarian and christological formations, of philosophical and individual moral theology, of Christian and Neoplatonic mysticism, and of cultural studies. By surveying the historical development of deification and by opening further areas of research, this book serves a valuable introductory source for both professionals and students. While primarily focusing on academic interests, the book is written keeping the general reading audience in mind as well. All quotations of the original texts are provided with existing or new English translations, while important Greek terminology is acknowledged. Readers interested in Christian spirituality, late antiquity, early Christian theology, and Neoplatonism will find this book useful.

Author Biography

Vladimir Kharlamov is Assistant Professor of Spiritual Theology at Sioux Falls Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and coeditor of Theosis: Deification in Christian Theology (2006).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. vii
Abbreviations	p. ix
Introduction	p. I
The Ideas of Divine and Divinization in the Context of Greek Antiquity: Conceptual and Technical Vocabulary of Deification	p. 11
The Main Aspects of the Deification Theme in Patristic Thought Prior to Pseudo-Dionysius	p. 25
Mystical Theology of Mysterious Origin: The Corpus of Pseudo-Dionysius	p. 62
Divinization in Neoplatonism	p. 93
Pseudo-Dionysian Neoplatonism and the Terminology of Deification	p. 135
Theosis as Cosmic Harmony: Ontological and Metaphysical Aspects of Deification	p. 159
Theosis as Knowledge: Epistemological Aspects of Deification	p. 189
Theosis as Liturgy: Sacramental and Anthropological Aspects of Deification. Theosis and the Problem of Evil	p. 204
Conclusion	p. 225
Selected Bibliography	p. 235
Index	p. 245
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.