Apophaticism, Mysticism, and Epoptics in Ancient and Patristic Philosophy: Some Important Examples
Verbum Vitae October 3, 2023 Ilaria Ramelli 1 citation
The article examines mystic apophaticism in Greek Patristic theologians Clement, Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, and Pseudo-Dionysius, showing how their thought was shaped by imperial Platonism. It traces the terminology and argumentative structure in each author and draws connections with pagan Neoplatonists like Plotinus, Porphyry, and Proclus. The reciprocal interrelations among epoptics, eros and agape, epektasis, epistrophe, and apokatastasis are highlighted. The article argues for a deliberate double-reference strategy to both pagan and Christian Platonism, and interprets Dionysius' veiled response to Porphyry's accusation of Origen. Dionysius retorted that it is Greeks who unholy use godly things against God, echoing Origen's own defense.