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# Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite

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Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, unknown 5th century C.E. author of a collection of books falsely ascribed to the Dionysius mentioned in [Acts 17:34]. He was commonly believed to be this Dionysius, but today scholars agree he is not; his real identity is unknown.

Works: the Divine Names, the Ecclestiastical Hierarchy, the Celestial Hierarchy.

His works show strong Neo-Platonic influence.

The great monastery of [St. Denis]? just north of Paris claimed to have the relics? - the mortal remains - of Dionysius (Dionysius = Denis = Dennis). However, there are at least three Dionysiuses involved:

  a 1st century Athenian contact of Paul in the Acts of the Apostles;
  a probably 5th century philosopher; probably in Syria;
  and a 4th century evangelist martyred in Paris.

All three men, of course, were probably legitimately named "Dionysius," which was not an uncommon Greek name. Even the "Pseudo-Dionysius" was probably merely named Dionysius - the identification of the author with the person in Acts was made by later readers. The monastery cheerfully conflated the three. They had a good Greek edition of Pseudo-Dionysius's works given to them by [Charles the Bald]?, which was translated into Latin by [John Scotus Eriugena]? in the late 9th century. This translation widely popularized both Pseudo-Dionysius's Neo-Platonism and his explanation of the angels.

Peter Abelard, the 12th century theologian and philosopher, after his unfortunate experience with Heloise?, became a Benedictine monk at St. Denis. Around 1120 he turned his attention to the story of their patron saint, and disentangled the three Dionysiuses. The monks were offended, and Abelard did not remain long at St. Denis.

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Last edited August 16, 2001 4:45 am (diff)
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