Title: Hymns on paradise /
Authors: Ephraem, 303-373; Brock, Sebastian P.; Ephraem, 303-373.
Publisher: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press,
Year: 1990
Subjects: Bible. Commentaries.; Paradise Early works to 1800.; Hymns, Syriac Translations into English Early works to 1800.
Abstract: St Ephrem the Syrian's cycle of fifteen hymns on paradise offers a fine example of Christian poetry, in which the author weaves a profound theological synthesis around a particular Biblical narrative. Centered on Genesis 2 and 3, he expresses his awareness of the sacramental character of the created world, and of the potential of everything in the created world to act as a witness and pointer to the creator. God's two witnesses, says Ephrem, are: 'Nature, through man's use of it, [and] Scripture, through his reading it." In his writing, Ephrem posits an inherent link between the material and spiritual worlds. St Ephrem's mode of theological discussion is essentially Biblical and Semitic in character. He uses types and symbols to express connections or relationships to 'reveal' something that is otherwise 'hidden, ' particularly expressing meanings between the Old Testament and the New, between this world and the heavenly, between the New Testament and the sacraments, and between the sacraments and the eschaton. His theology is not tied to a particular cultural or philosophical background, but operates by means of imagery and symbolism basic to all human experience.
Contents: The life of St Ephrem -- St Ephrem and monasticism -- St Ephrem's writings -- Poetic form -- St Ephrem's theological vision -- Types and symbols -- The garment of words -- St Ephrem's concept of paradise -- The two trees -- The fence and the sword -- The robe of glory -- Paradise regained : Divinization -- The present translation -- The hymns on paradise.