Dionysian thought in sixteenth-century spanish mystical theology

Abstract

This essay reviews the nature and scope of Dionysius’ influence on the Hispano-Christian mystics, especially John of the Cross and Theresa of Ávila. As background, it first surveys the broader reception of Dionysius in sixteenth-century Spain, especially among the ascetico-mystical precursors and contemporaries of both Carmelite saints. This will allow us to reconnoiter with some historical precision how and to what extent Dionysian themes were interpreted and woven into signature components of their mystical theology: John's taxonomy of dark nights and Theresa's views on the suspension of the faculties as a preamble to unio mystica. © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.