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CORPUS DIONYSIACUM – “PLUS PLATONIZANS QUAM CHRISTIANIZANS”? A RE-EVALUATION

C. Ionut

Abstract

1520 is the turning point year for Corpus Dionysiacum in its positive reception, especially in the West, Martin Luther expressing, as an echo of the reforming philologists, the total repulsion towards it, naming the text “pernitiosissimus” (extremely dangerous) and its controversial author “plus platonizans quam Christianizans” (“more a Platonist than a Christian”), because of promoting “unbiblical” ideas such as: “hierarchy” (Apostolic succession), “Theurgy” (Priesthood), and “sacred mysteries” (Sacraments). Our study makes a reassessment of the content of the Dionysian writings, highlighting their predominantly Christian message, philosophical terms being used to raise the presentation to a level that could rival the writings of the intellectuals from the Platonic Academy (Proclus in particular) and to restore to human wisdom the holy function of instrument of worshiping God (its source). For the author of Corpus Dionysiacum, the act of theology (the speech about God) is a sacred one consisting of adoration, of praising in hymns the Creator of the heavens and earth, for which all available human means can be used, including philosophy - which by definition is the “love of Wisdom”, a name suitable first of all to God.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2018/2.2/S09.060

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