Supernatural, Religion, Philosophy of, General & Miscellaneous Religious Philosophy, Religious Rituals & Practices - General & Miscellaneous, Socio-Cultural Anthropology - General & Miscellaneous, Religion - General & Miscellaneous
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Overview
This book redefines our interpretation of Iamblichus' theurgy and religiosity, as revealed in his only complete surviving work, the De Mysteriis. Clarke argues that the existence and operation of the supernatural, or the miraculous, is the sine qua non of this work, and yet this is often overlooked by Iamblichus' philosophical interpreters. The argument is developed through the examination of numerous religious practices described by Iamblichus, most importantly those of animal sacrifice, oracular consultation, divine possession, and the ritual observation of the luminous divine epiphanies. The book seeks to understand Iamblichus' position within the framework of, rather than through the eyes of, other Neoplatonists. Emma Clarke is the chief editor of the only modern English translation of the De Mysteriis, and in this book she breaks new ground in a growing area of interest, Neoplatonism.Editorials
Gregory Shaw
In this meticulous study of the De Mysteriis Emma Clarke argues convincingly that Iamblichean theurgy cannot-and should not-be explained as an intellectual enterprise: theurgy was not a calculus of abstractions but a discipline of not-knowing that initiated its adepts into miraculous encounters with the gods. For those interested in theurgic states of ecstasy and possession, Clarke’s lucidly written book will be required reading.Book Details
Published
February 1, 2002
Publisher
Aldershot ; Ashgate Pub. Co., c2001.
Pages
144
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780754604082