«As an Angel of Light», Imagination and Discernment at Prayer. An Essay in Comparison between Diadochus of Photike and Symeon the New Theologian
«As an Angel of Light», Imagination and Discernment at Prayer. An Essay in Comparison between Diadochus of Photike and Symeon the New Theologian

Author(s): Marcelo Singh
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Comparative Studies of Religion, Biblical studies
Published by: Editura Doxologia
Keywords: Diadochus of Photike; Symeon the New Theologian; imagination; prayer; visions;
Summary/Abstract: In 2 Corinthians 11: 14 Saint Paul warns us about the tricks of Satan that can disguise himself as an angel of light. The exegesis of this text raises in some authors a reflection about the necessity of discernment during prayer. Imagination could bring confusion and misunderstanding, and could particularly become an open door for the bad spirit into the human soul. This is the problem that Diadochus of Photike points out. In his One Hundred practical texts, he explicitly refers to the Angel of Light (chapter 40). First, I intend to read this expression in the context of the same work, including a fundamental study of “imagination” (φαντασία) and “discernment” (διάκρισις). For the second part, I will introduce the exegesis of 2 Corinthians in Symeon the New Theologian, taking his teaching of Ethics XV, 89 as a basis: «Taste and see that who is darkness, presents himself to the imagination in the form of an angel of light» (ἄγγελον φωτός).

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