Ancient World

Episode 66 - Correspondence with a Professor about Religion, Philosophy, and Dante's blending of the two traditions.


Listen Later

In this episode we discuss a recent correspondence with a renowned and distinguished Professor in Religion and Philosophy, an expert on the two main intellectual and spiritual traditions in the Ancient World. We'll be assessing Dante's Comedy in light of his artistic endeavor, his contribution to the Catholic faith, and the points of divergence between the Comedy's Journey and the Biblical stories and Doctrine.


In some ways one might say that Dante is trying to blend the two traditions even in the final big moment of Vision in his work, seeing both a Plato concept of Divine Light and the incarnation of Divinity in Man (Christ Figure).

I saw the Great Light shine into three circles
 in three clear colors bound in one same space;

the first seemed to reflect the next like rainbow
on rainbow, and the third was like a flame
equally breathed forth by the other two.

(..) seemed in Itself and in Its own Self-color
to be depicted with man's very image.

C33, v. 116-131

The correspondence provides several interesting viewpoints on these topics, as well as clarifying some key points of artistic liberties in Dante's work from a religious viewpoint.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Ancient WorldBy Richard Emerson

  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 4.3

4.3

10 ratings