The origins of the Christian mystical tradition : from Plato to Denys

Description: Scholars of the patristic era have paid more attention to the dogmatic tradition in their period than to the development of Christian mystical theology. Andrew Louth aims to redress the balance. Recognizing that the intellectual form of this tradition was decisively influenced by Platonic ideas of the soul's relationship to God, Louth begins with an examination of Plato and Platonism. The discussion of the Fathers which follows shows how the mystical tradition is at the heart of their thought and how the dogmatic tradition both molds and is the reflection of mystical insights and concerns. This new edition of a classic study of the diverse influences upon Christian spirituality includes a new Epilogue which brings the text completely up to date. -- from back cover

Table of Contents: Plato --
Philo --
Plotinus --
Origen --
Nicene orthodoxy: Athanasius ; Gregory of Nyssa --
The monastic contribution: Evagrius of Pontus ; the Macarian Homilies ; Diadochus of Photicē --
Augustine --
Denys the Areopagite --
Patristic mysticism and St. John of the Cross ; Divine darkness and the dark night --
The mystical life and the mystical body: Platonism and mysticism ; the communion of saints.

FY2007 /