Abstract

Ivanović analyzes Dionysius’ thought in order to gain insight into his understanding of the body and matter, with a special emphasis on deification. Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite reflected on beauty as a divine name, discussed the pairing of the Good and the Beautiful, elaborated on beauty in heaven and earth as a glimpse of divine beauty, and showed the importance of material symbols for one’s elevation to God. If humans are composite beings, made of both soul and body, and if they are created in the image and likeness of God, then the body cannot be ugly or evil.