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Document Details : Title: Mystical Theology and Christology in Thomas Aquinas Author(s): BLANKENHORN, Bernhard Journal: Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses Volume: 95 Issue: 2 Date: 2019 Pages: 299-315 DOI: 10.2143/ETL.95.2.3286478 Abstract : The essay reads Thomas Aquinas’ doctrine of mystical cognition in light of his Christology. The focus is on the place of two elements at the height of supernatural knowledge: (1) the contemplative’s active cooperation in grace by the use of concepts and images, and (2) the place of Christ and the saving economy as objects of contemplation. The essay first reviews some key themes in Aquinas’ theology of the Spirit’s seven gifts, especially the gift of understanding. Here, a contrast between Aquinas and Pseudo-Dionysius on mystical cognition helps to surface Aquinas’ originality. The heart of the essay takes up four Christological themes and links them to Aquinas’ doctrine of mystical cognition: Christ’s habitual grace, his two operations, his beatific vision and the mysteries of his life, death and Resurrection. The essay concludes by showing the consequences of these considerations for liturgical contemplation. |
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