Nature as theophany in Origen and Johannes Eriugena

Abstract

In a classical sense and in Patristic works the concept of Nature usually refers to a metaphysical principle of being and action. Nature as the whole world of created things and particularly of living beings (as we name it in modern times) is considered as an organized cosmos, or, in the words of Origen, as an immense animal. Johannes Eriugena refers to this harmonic cosmos as a Theophany (a revelation). The doctrine of Nature as a metaphysical “background” to phenomena suggests a transition from the operation principle to this view of the world (Nature) as a divine Epiphany. Key words: nature, theophany, Origen, Eriugena.