Erōs, Ekstasis, and Silence in Dionysius’ Mystical Theology

Abstract

Though medieval, modern, and contemporary interpreters often understand the “mystical union” described in Dionysius’ Mystical Theology in terms of love or eros, reference to love, affection, or desire is conspicuously absent from the text. Though this absence has been noted in recent scholarship, little attention has been paid to its significance, particularly in light of the significance of eros across the Corpus dionysiacum. After assessing the “affective” reading of Mystical Theology which directly imports the functions of divine and human love from the positive descriptions of Divine Names, I propose a reading which rather aims to recover the central place of eros in Mystical Theology precisely through reflection upon its absence. This interpretation will consider the significance of the hymnic, prayerful setting of Mystical Theology, and the precise grammar of Dionysius’ negative theology to give a textual argument for understanding “mystical union” as a unity of God and creature in love.