Acts 17:34 & Pseudo-Dionysius. Help!

[philosopher1000]

Hello,

I have been exploring much theology and philosophy lately, and trying to learn the Bible for the first time in my life

While in a bookstore I picked up “The Complete Works of Pseudo-Dionysius.” Dionysius the Areopagite is obviously mentioned in Acts 17:34, as a convert of St. Paul. Yet, after some research, and common sense, it seems that this convert is NOT the Pseudo-Dionysius I am reading. Simply put, if Acts was written sometime in 62-64AD, then a 5th to 6th century Syrian Monk could not be the same individual.

Can someone rectify the name and reference or give me some information? Wikipedia is horribly ambiguous, but I can understand this since most scholars have little understanding either.

Is Pseudo-Dionysius OK for a Catholic to read? I know he is heavily influenced by Neo-Platonism (that seems to be a common trait amongst Doctors of the Church such as Augustine and Aquinas). His works are mentioned by Bonaventure (Mystical Theology), and I understand that he had a significant influence upon St. John of the Cross, another Doctor.

Thanks!

 

[Pieman333272]

A Catholic can read any theology or philosophy they like, but if you feel it is contrary to your faith in content take it with a grain of salt or read some other theologians from around the time period who are known to be orthodox in teaching.

 

[PAboy57]

this site offers so many good books to read. they would not lead you astray.

God Bless

 

[Ranklyfrank]

I’m brand new on here, and while I understand piety and exhorting your team to loyalty, it sounds like the person who asked the question is sincerely trying to do some research. His question sounds like one a legitimate researcher might ask. And he is not questioning his faith, only source material. Is this the usual thing for me to expect on here if I ask a question?

 

[Shin]

Well speaking in general…

If the saints and doctors don’t have any problems with it… one should not be concerned particularly about the content, only perhaps one’s proper reception of it.

When I read excerpts of the newer printed translation and then the older one on the Internet, it’s rather like night and day in the ease in which one can read it.

Translations are just that… I wonder how well it bears it.