Dionysius the Areopagite (485? – 535?)

Under this name, an unknown writer, claiming the name and authority of the first bishop of Athens, published a series of enormously influential treatises and public letters early in the sixth century. The unknown author brilliantly integrates an orthodox dogmatic theology, a Christological cosmology and a profound spirituality into a depiction of creation that is entirely grounded in tradition and Holy Scripture. His writing was important for Christianizing the ancient pagan world because it was couched in the language of platonic philosophy which he transformed into a vehicle for expressing a vision of God, man and creation that was Trinitarian, Christocentric and Biblical. He believed that every created thing was an expression of the Divine will, and that all nature fulfills its purpose by praising God and revealing His presence, each creature in its own way. In this vision of the universe, which was not merely his individualistic interpretation, but the vision of the ancient Church, Scripture and cosmos are two aspects of God’s revelation. Just as every word and event of Scripture reveal something about God, so too every being and activity is also a revelation of God, worthy of respect and care. The awe-inspiring beauty, wisdom, power, life and being of nature reflect the incomparable Beauty, Wisdom, Power, Life and Being of God, which are the Names and cosmic and uncreated energies of God.