The Darkest Nights Have the Brightest Stars: Reevaluating Light and Darkness in Johannine Literature
The imagery of light and darkness has always connoted very strong ideas through many diverse cultures. So too is light and darkness a key theme in Johannine literature. St. John of Patmos consistently uses the theme of light and darkness to demonstrate realities concerning the nature of God and those who follow him. The task presented here is to reevaluate traditional understandings of John’s use of light and darkness in light of the broader narrative of scripture. This paper will seek to envision the theme of light and darkness in Johannine literature as a continuation of this theme as found in the Hebrew scriptures. This project will also explore the interpretations of the theme utilized by the early church fathers Origen and Gregory of Nyssa, and will explore how their contrasting perspectives both portray distinct aspects of light and darkness as used by John. Distilling each of these sources into a coherent understanding of John’s imagery and use of light and darkness, this paper will demonstrate how God can be experienced and is present in both light and darkness.
CM 499, Senior Capstone
Agametochukwu Iheanyi-Igwe
L203
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