Metaphors of Light and Dark in Origen, Augustine, and the Pseudo-Dionysius

Origen

Three-fold path of purification, illumination, contemplation

The soul proceeds gradually towards the light

Human ability to make connection with that light

Scripture reveals God

Augustine

Human inability to connect with God

Through grace, flashes of insight and illumination possible

Pseudo-Dionysius

darkness is the stage beyond light

the negative way

unseeing and unknowing