Eriugena and Mu’tazilites: a story of interaction between Christian West and Islamic East
Sergei N. Sushkov
ABSTRACTThis essay explores the interaction between Christian West and Islamic East via ninth-century scholar Eriugena Mu’tazilites. Both were committed to search for basic unitive truth lying at heart of their beliefs. Though coming from different cultural traditions, these prominent thinkers had a happy opportunity sharing experience intellectual quest while shedding light upon most essential in human beings – reason which enabled them, properly ordered manifest, articulate creation as an integral reality no discrepancy essence existence is found. It suggested that dialectic, developed by his contemporaries, could well support shared unity our own day.KEYWORDS: EruigenaMu’tazilitiesinterfaith dialogueclash civilisations Disclosure statementNo potential conflict interest was reported author(s).Notes1 Huntington, Clash Civilisations, 25.2 Ibid., 29–30.3 33–34.4 25, 22.5 39.6 Aga Khan, ‘Philosophical Statement’, 3 July 2008, Institute Ismaili Studies Brochure (2017), 1.7 See, example, The Qur’an, Surah 2: ‘Then do not set up rivals unto Allah you know He Alone has right be worshipped’ (2:22). ‘And mix with falsehood … truth’ (2:42).8 1:6.9 In relation historically tense relationship Christianity Islam see, Rollin Armour, Islam, West, chapters 3–5; addition, 8–9 give insight into historic attempts developing some amicable relationships two religions; Chapter 12 about changing attitude present.10 Qu’ran, 5:82.11 See Amangaliev, «Несторианство,» 3.12 4.13 3.14 Spengler, Закат, 271.15 4.16 This formula articulated follows: ‘It follows then true philosophy religion conversely philosophy’ (Eriugena, Treatise, 7). Hegel makes following remark: ‘Philosophy speaking begins ninth century John Scottus Eriugena’ (Hegel, Lectures Philosophy Religion, 42).17 Sushkov, Being Creation, chapter 1.18 Religion may often seen kind spiritual practice aimed winning God’s favour. Because this emphasis on divine side, however, it infrequently forgotten how important humans’ efforts are supposed God-man relationship. Meanwhile, very idea favour hardly conceivable beyond possible compatibility infinite divinity sinful humanity. means towards transformation nature, among repentance moral purification would initial steps, necessarily implied religion. Otherwise, restoration link man God, meant name (derived Latin religare), remain mere declaration. post-secular context, therefore, crucial never before really understand what all about. That why, admits task knowing constitutes matter ‘of universal philosophical age’ Философия религии, 242).19 Among those outstanding dialecticians, Allaf al-Nazzam noted. Their contribution will considered below more detail. however irrelevant add here al-Nazzam’s views Parmenides’s ontology presumably influenced Eriugena’s dialectical approach ontology, particularly evident fourth mode understanding being non-being, appears opening part Periphyseon.20 central principles new contradiction unfairly featured. Thus, according Hegel, criterion truth, whereas its lack delusion (see Работы, 265).21 St Augustine indisputable authority Carolingians, none other but Charlemagne himself largely responsible Augustine’s works. known he so read writings quote extensive passages them Levandovsky, Карл Великий, 14). Especially enjoyable reading On City emperor frequently referred source inspiration challenging social projects: ‘ treatise God Bishop Hippo only favourite book, also direct leading guide great plan envisaged fulfil reality’ (ibid., 124). enormous building was, A. Levandovsky points out, Charles’s ‘haunting idea’ sought realise ibid.). As result, message become real agenda Carolingian scholars time appeared Gaul.22 centrality notion explicitly expressed outset opus magnum. (See Eriugena, Periphyseon, 441b-442a).23 441a. 120–31.24 imago dei doctrine gives us His recognises Himself, since finds nothing alien Him (His will) there.25 Genesis story teaches us, Being’s self-identity realised through self-disclosure, where inner outer can ever found Ex. 3:14), should improperly understood ontological roots goodness genuine morality.26 454a.27 biblical Fall (Gen. 3) tells after committing sin humans have leave paradise creation. myth allows breaking substantial order followed departure mundane world results mind’s deception senses making judge appearance.28 theme full vigour later re-emerges Kant’s transcendentalism. focal point concept (recta ratio) which, exaggeration, identified cornerstone entire system. According it, similarly apriorism, reason’s concepts go ahead sensory data, organising ruling sense (see, 6 132–54).29 Spirit (in whose ubiquitous nature spiritually wholesome come conformity whole) is, speak, proper place indivisibility, Creator one. Holy Scripture explicit about: ‘But hour coming, now here, when worshippers worship Father Truth, seeks such Him. Spirit, who must Truth’ (Jn. 4:23–24).30 Brilliantov, Влияние, 43–44. Werner Beierwaltes, F.A. Staudenmaier ‘the germ present Philosophy,’ focused problem theology, faith knowledge, revelation’ (Beierwaltes, ‘Revaluation,’ 191).31 45.32 Ibid, 43.33 18. Beierwaltes characteristic post-Hegelian Germany: ‘The preoccupation nineteenth styled rediscovery, ideas, having been obscure silent long time, came life again virtue impulses questioned discussed intensively’ 190). assumed,’ continues, ‘that overcome opposition eternal natural world, justified belief philosophically united inseparably Christianity, thus first founded speculative theology’ (ibid.). theology ‘attains end constituting spirit, establishing oneness revelation deepest being, reconciling incarnation (i.e. second creation) creation.’ And understands salvation ‘fully achieved’ 191).34 1970 Dublin (Ireland) Society Promotion Eriugenian (SPES) founded. Since until recently international areas academic expertise under aegis. list Greek theological authorities regard influence 119–23.35 Despite made including quotation Augustine, little received unfriendly, both opponents members church hierarchy, formerly sided author actually employed him writing work. Moran, Philosophy, 35.)36 O’Meara, 1–4.37 2. A Russian A.I. one illustrious classics studies, likewise accepted version close transcription Erigena.38 2.39 Ibid.40 Neoplatonic character systems highly disputable, there lies conception creatio rather than emanatio. therefore surprising find,’ Alfred Ivry admits, al-Kindi borrows major work Neoplatonism, Plotinus’s Enneads’ (Al-Kindi, First 15). particular, ‘apparently rejects drawn view transcendent One Who nevertheless, Creator’ 15–16).41 12.42 35–40.43 Sagadeev, ‘Статус философии,’ 23–24.44 26. For Spanish Arab, took meetings, see al-Guzel, Mutazilites, 264–65.45 Soloviev, ‘Кризис,’ 511.46 Mutahhari, ‘Introduction,’ §19.47 unsurpassed fame Arabs, fell victim severe persecutions along Mu’tazilites Caliph Mu’tawakkil: ‘His large private library confiscated apparently beaten’ 3).48 Valiuddin, ‘Mutazilism’ Muslim sec. above discussion authority.49 B: §1.50 Divine Unity Justice fundamental five Mu’tazilah teaching ibid., A.).51 Al-Shahrastani, Kitab al-Milaa wal-Niha, quoted Wensinek, Creed, 62.52 Abu al-Hundhail ‘received instruction Uthman ibn Khalid Tawil, pupil Wasil’ (Valiuddun, ‘Mutazilism,’ §2).53 does dialectics three thousand persons embraced hand’ (ibid.).54 ibid. debates Salih Magian, staunch upholder dualism Manichaean type, went far assert gods.55 act comply overall believers third principle concerning Promise, acts contrary Promise. From perspective coherent out question manifestations associated qualities assigned finite things only.56 ‘Mutazilism’, §2.57 Ibid.58 Ibid.59 Tillich, Being-Itself (Selbst Sein) definition being. George Pattison, Philosophical Theology, 5, 18.)60 Bible, meaning Name ‘I am I am’ (Ex.3:14). significance Tetragrammaton holistic 54–57.61 classical examples devastating impact knowledge unguided provided Ptolemy’s geocentric Taking account sun moves round earth, theory offered wrong vision resulting getting touch reality. restore status guiding force process acquisition (and break truly apart sense-dependent assumptions fantasies), Kant make Copernican revolution philosophy.62 Istiaq Ibrahim Sayar called Allaf’s pupil. said ‘studied use works’ (Valiuddin, §3).63 Ibid.64 Ibid.65 Treatise Predestination Western perspective, appearance historical stage nowhere. predestination controversy,’ writes Dermot ‘marks written evidence we activity’ (Moran, 35).66 34.67 Jean Devisse, Hincmar: Vol 1, 150–51, 34.68 35.69 Ibid.70 32.71 Ibid.72 31.Additional informationNotes contributorsSergei N. SushkovDr Sergei Sushkov Associate Professor History Academy National Economy Public Administration (RANEPA), educated Moscow State University (MPhil) Glasgow (MTh, PhD). Prior present, taught number institutions higher education Central Asia. post-Enlightenment agenda, approached synthesis religion, area research interest.
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