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The Transformation of the Human Person Through Contemplation: An Analysis of John Cassian's Conferences

Horn, Lindsay R.
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4547-0148
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1626084936036699

Abstract Details

2021, Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, Theological Studies.
This thesis examines the desert mothers’ and fathers’ view of contemplation as a journey toward theosis, or communion with God. To accomplish this, “contemplation” is analyzed within the fifth century document, The Conferences of John Cassian¸ where John Cassian, the document’s author, has conversations with various desert abbas on the monastic life. The argument presented within this thesis is that ascetic practices of renunciation and purification serve as a catalyst for the contemplative life where the contemplator comes face-to-face with God. In the process of experiencing purity of heart, the contemplator transforms into the likeness of God. Also needed in the process of transformation is the cultivation of silence, for it is within silence the contemplator recognizes God’s nearness. The conclusion of this thesis ties together the themes of theological anthropology, renunciation, purity of heart, and contemplation in the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. Mary, an exemplar to the abbas in the Conferences, personifies transformation by contemplation through her choosing “the one thing necessary.”
Sandra Yocum, Ph.D (Advisor)
Meghan Henning, Ph.D (Committee Member)
Jana Bennett, Ph.D (Committee Member)
111 p.
Religion; Spirituality; Theology
Contemplation; John Cassian; The Conferences of John Cassian; Silence; Renunciation; Purity of Heart; Image and Likeness of God; Transformation; Luke 10 38-42; Martha and Mary; Desert Fathers;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Horn, L. R. (2021). The Transformation of the Human Person Through Contemplation: An Analysis of John Cassian's Conferences [Master's thesis, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1626084936036699

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Horn, Lindsay. The Transformation of the Human Person Through Contemplation: An Analysis of John Cassian's Conferences. 2021. University of Dayton, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1626084936036699.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Horn, Lindsay. "The Transformation of the Human Person Through Contemplation: An Analysis of John Cassian's Conferences." Master's thesis, University of Dayton, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1626084936036699

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Dayton and OhioLINK.