Foreword / Andrew Louth -- 1. Plausibility and vision : the beatific vision in modernity -- Part 1. Beatific Vision in Early Christian Thought : -- 2. Philosophy and vision : Plato, Plotinus, and the Christian faith -- 3. Progress and vision : Gregory of Nyssa's unending search -- 4. Anticipation and vision : Augustine on theophanies and ecstasy -- Part 2. Beatific Vision in Medieval Thought : -- 5. Transfiguration and vision : Thomas Aquinas and Gregory Palamas -- 6. Mystical union and vision : Symeon the New Theologian and John of the Cross -- 7. Faculties and vision : Bonaventure and Nicholas of Cusa -- 8. Speech and vision : Dante's transhumanizing journey -- Part 3. Beatific Vision in Protestant Thought : -- 9. Accomodation and vision : John Calvin on face-to-face vision of God -- 10. Modernity and vision : John Donne's restoration of "commerce twixt heauen and earth" -- 11. Christ and vision : Puritan and Dutch Reformed articulations of the beatific vision -- 12. Mediation and vision : an Edwardsean modification of Thomas Aquinas -- Part 4. Beatific Vision : a Dogmatic Appraisal -- 13. Pedagogy and vision : beatific vision through apprenticeship
Summary:
When we see God, are we looking with our physical eyes or with the mind's eye? Both, says Hans Boersma in this sacramental and historical treatment of the beatific vision. Focusing on "vision" as a living metaphor, Boersma shows how the vision of God is accessible already today. Seeing God is a historical study, but it also includes a dogmatic articulation of key characteristics that contribute to our understanding of the beatific vision. Theologians, philosophers, and literary authors have long maintained that the invisible God becomes visible to us. Boersma shows how God trains us to see his character by transforming our eyes and minds, highlighting continuity from this world to the next. Christ-centered, sacramental, and ecumenical in character, Seeing God presents life as a pilgrimage to see the face of God in the hereafter.
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