News Release
September 2006  

Seminary to hold Program on How Not to Think Theologically

Bethlehem, Pa., September 18, 2006—The Moravian Theological Seminary will host a lecture by The Rev. Gregory Kongor, M.Div., titled: How Not to Think Theologically: Dionysius the Areopagite on the Instructability of God, on Friday September 22 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Bahnson Center. 

Kongor will discuss the enigma of Dionysius the Areopagite, a fifth century mystical theologian who wrote under the pseudonym, and whose real identity is unknown. His writings could be considered immensely profound but cryptic, yet his influence on medieval theologians and mystics is undeniable. Luther branded him a heretic and the Eastern Orthodox Church canonized him with sainthood. Kongor will explore Dionysius’ apophatic (“through negation”) theology and its influence on Western theology.  He will attempt to demonstrate the Dionysius approach to troubling problems of theodicy. A discussion will be opened about A Grief Observed, written by C.S. Lewis, one of the leading Christian apologists of the century, and his crisis of faith.

Kongor is a graduate of St. Tikhon’ Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, which specializes in early patristic theology.  His background is in psychotherapy and cross-cultural spirituality, and currently he serves as chaplain at Country Meadows Retirement Home in Bethlehem, Pa.

The Bahnson Center is located at 60 W. Locust Street, Bethlehem, Pa.  The registration fee is $20.  All participants will receive 0.25 continuing education units.