1556 - Hermeticism and Christianity
Lucius Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius, often referred to as the "Christian Cicero," a North African Christian apologist, is often studied for his eloquent defenses of Christianity. However, a closer look reveals a fascinating blend of Hermetic philosophy woven into his theological works. While he aimed to convert pagans and refute opposing philosophies, Lactantius sometimes incorporated Hermetic ideas and symbolism into his arguments. For instance, he drew parallels between the Hermetic concept of the Logos, the divine Word or principle of reason, and the Christian understanding of Christ as the Word of God. This suggests an attempt to bridge pagan and Christian thought, using Hermeticism as a point of connection.
This volume includes the Institutiones Divinae ("The Divine Institutes"), which is his most important work. It is an apologetic treatise intended to establish the reasonableness and truth of Christianity to pagan critics. Lactantius was well-versed in classical philosophy and engaged with various schools of thought, including Neoplatonism. These writings provide valuable context for understanding the philosophical landscape of his time and the ongoing dialogue between Christianity and other philosophical traditions, including Stoicism, Hermeticism and Gnosticism. This book is a fine copy from the 16th century.
1556. L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani [Lucius Lactantius]. Diuinaru Institutionu LIB.VII. De ira Dei LIB.I De Opificio Dei LIB.I Epitome in libros suos, Liber acephalos. Carmen from: Phoenice. Resurrectione dominica. Passionate Domini. Omnia ex fide § authoritate librorum manuscriptum emendata. Lugduni: Apud Johannem Tornaesium, Typog. Regium. 787 pp., Index. 12.5x8.5cm. Brown calfskin binding, spine with 4 raised bands, small gilt irons in the boxes, gold cartouche stamped on the covers. Golden framing net on the boards. Friction, bumping, wear on corners. Antique ex libris sticker on cover. Tearing to top spine. Good interior. Library stamp on title page.
Lucius Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius, often referred to as the "Christian Cicero," a North African Christian apologist, is often studied for his eloquent defenses of Christianity. However, a closer look reveals a fascinating blend of Hermetic philosophy woven into his theological works. While he aimed to convert pagans and refute opposing philosophies, Lactantius sometimes incorporated Hermetic ideas and symbolism into his arguments. For instance, he drew parallels between the Hermetic concept of the Logos, the divine Word or principle of reason, and the Christian understanding of Christ as the Word of God. This suggests an attempt to bridge pagan and Christian thought, using Hermeticism as a point of connection.
This volume includes the Institutiones Divinae ("The Divine Institutes"), which is his most important work. It is an apologetic treatise intended to establish the reasonableness and truth of Christianity to pagan critics. Lactantius was well-versed in classical philosophy and engaged with various schools of thought, including Neoplatonism. These writings provide valuable context for understanding the philosophical landscape of his time and the ongoing dialogue between Christianity and other philosophical traditions, including Stoicism, Hermeticism and Gnosticism. This book is a fine copy from the 16th century.
1556. L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani [Lucius Lactantius]. Diuinaru Institutionu LIB.VII. De ira Dei LIB.I De Opificio Dei LIB.I Epitome in libros suos, Liber acephalos. Carmen from: Phoenice. Resurrectione dominica. Passionate Domini. Omnia ex fide § authoritate librorum manuscriptum emendata. Lugduni: Apud Johannem Tornaesium, Typog. Regium. 787 pp., Index. 12.5x8.5cm. Brown calfskin binding, spine with 4 raised bands, small gilt irons in the boxes, gold cartouche stamped on the covers. Golden framing net on the boards. Friction, bumping, wear on corners. Antique ex libris sticker on cover. Tearing to top spine. Good interior. Library stamp on title page.
Lucius Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius, often referred to as the "Christian Cicero," a North African Christian apologist, is often studied for his eloquent defenses of Christianity. However, a closer look reveals a fascinating blend of Hermetic philosophy woven into his theological works. While he aimed to convert pagans and refute opposing philosophies, Lactantius sometimes incorporated Hermetic ideas and symbolism into his arguments. For instance, he drew parallels between the Hermetic concept of the Logos, the divine Word or principle of reason, and the Christian understanding of Christ as the Word of God. This suggests an attempt to bridge pagan and Christian thought, using Hermeticism as a point of connection.
This volume includes the Institutiones Divinae ("The Divine Institutes"), which is his most important work. It is an apologetic treatise intended to establish the reasonableness and truth of Christianity to pagan critics. Lactantius was well-versed in classical philosophy and engaged with various schools of thought, including Neoplatonism. These writings provide valuable context for understanding the philosophical landscape of his time and the ongoing dialogue between Christianity and other philosophical traditions, including Stoicism, Hermeticism and Gnosticism. This book is a fine copy from the 16th century.
1556. L. Coelii Lactantii Firmiani [Lucius Lactantius]. Diuinaru Institutionu LIB.VII. De ira Dei LIB.I De Opificio Dei LIB.I Epitome in libros suos, Liber acephalos. Carmen from: Phoenice. Resurrectione dominica. Passionate Domini. Omnia ex fide § authoritate librorum manuscriptum emendata. Lugduni: Apud Johannem Tornaesium, Typog. Regium. 787 pp., Index. 12.5x8.5cm. Brown calfskin binding, spine with 4 raised bands, small gilt irons in the boxes, gold cartouche stamped on the covers. Golden framing net on the boards. Friction, bumping, wear on corners. Antique ex libris sticker on cover. Tearing to top spine. Good interior. Library stamp on title page.