Image and analogy in Augustine's De Trinitate and the Dionysian Corpus: A comparative study

Abstract

A survey of Christian doctrine quickly exposes the importance of any study of the theology of image, as it stands in at least some relation to the Doctrine of the Trinity, as well as Christology and the Doctrine of Creation. It is in recognition of this importance that leads one to a comparative study of Saint Augustine (354-430 AD) and the Pseudo Dionysius (5th Century), who represent different understandings of the theology of image. The significance of a comparative study of these two is amplified when it is recognized that the former is perhaps the most influential Christian thinker in the West, while the later fulfils the same role, through his interpreters, in the East. The approach of this study proceeds from an Augustinian point of view, with chapters following the basic movements of the De Trinitate, moving form exteriora, to interiora. Hence this thesis includes a study of the role and ontologicai place of the images of the scriptures. It then proceeds to discuss the Trinitarian vestigia in comparison with the various triads manifested by the Dionysian Corpus, and concludes with a two chapter discussion of the image of God in Man. One of these last two chapters is devoted to a study of Augustine and Dionysius in relation to a diverse sampling of Fathers' interpretation of Genesis 1:26. The second chapter takes up the implications of the breach with tradition made by Augustine, particularly as it affects the relationship between image and archetype. The conclusion calls for further study, specifically evaluation of the differences detected in this paper, through the lense of Catholic doctrine, a study of the Medieval Latins and an understanding of Doctrinal Development.