Eriugena,JohnScottus (c.815–877)

Abstract

AbstractIrish philosopher, theologian, grammarian, and poet. John's name Eriugena (or Erigena) proclaims that he was born in Ireland, but he emigrated to the court and school of King Charles the Bald in northern France. Here he taught the liberal arts, and composed glosses on Martianus Capella'sMarriage of Mercury and Philology. His poetry in Latin and Greek includes theological poems and several honoring Charles. Commissioned to refute Gottschalk's doctrine of “double predestination” to heaven and hell, John'sOn Predestination(851) was itself condemned as heretical for focusing so intently on God's eternity and goodness that it rejected the notions ofpre‐destination and divine punishment. At a time when few in the west knew Greek, John translated into Latin writings by the Greek Fathers Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo‐Dionysius the Areopagite, and Maximus the Confessor. These translations immersed John in theology of the Eastern Church and transformed his speculative vision. The outcome wasOn Nature(Periphyseon) orOn the Division of Nature(864–866), his vast synthesis of Dionysius and Augustine, East and West. Eriugena also wrote aCommentaryon Dionysius'Celestial Hierarchy, and two works on the Gospel of John: an incompleteCommentaryand a beautifulHomilyon the Gospel's prologue.