Iamblichus: On the Mysteries · 20 of 218 · tr. Thomas Taylor
Chapter XIV
Farther still, with respect to “ what are called the necessities of the Gods ,” the whole truth of this is, that necessities are peculiar to, and subsist in such a way as accords with the nature of, the Gods. [34] Hence they do not subsist as if they were externally derived, or were the effect of violence, but after such a manner as the good ought to be from necessity, so the Gods entirely exist, and are by no means otherwise disposed. This necessity, therefore, is mingled with beneficent will, and is the friend of love; through an order adapted to the Gods, possesses identity and immutability; and because it is contained in one boundary, abides in this, and never departs from it. Hence, 60 through all these particulars, the contrary to what you infer takes place. For it happens that a divine nature is incapable of being allured, is impassive and uncompelled, if there are in reality such powers in theurgy, as we have demonstrated there are.
Themes
◆Divine Simplicitytheology
The doctrine that God has no parts, divisions, or composite attributes; pure undivided being.
The text emphasizes that God's nature is incapable of being allured and possesses identity and immutability.
All passages →◆Living Godtheology
The divine conceived as active, present, and dynamic—not an abstract principle but a personal responsive reality.
The Gods are described as possessing identity and immutability rather than being passive or external.
All passages →◆Theurgypraxis
Iamblichean ritual practice that engages the gods directly through consecrated material symbols and actions, on the premise that divine power descends into properly prepared matter — distinct from philosophical contemplation alone.
The passage explicitly discusses the existence of powers in theurgy and argues that divine nature is incapable of being allured by them.
All passages →Related passages · 4 parallels
◆christian_mysticism|Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names|Chapter 4, Section 1a
“CHAPTER IV Concerning ” Good ,” ” Light ,” ” Beautiful ,” “ Desire ,” ” Ecstasy ,” “ Jealousy .” Also that Evil is neither existent nor Sprung from anything existent nor inherent in existent things .
1.
Now let us consider the name of “Go…”
Both passages discuss the nature of divine necessity and goodness, emphasizing that the divine acts simply by being what it is, and that this divine nature is immutable and beneficent. They share a conceptual parallel in their understanding of the divine as inherently good and necessary, though they come from different mystical traditions.
◆christian_mysticism|Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names|Chapter 4, Section 1v
“cannot be free from pain, nor without a feeling of ill, since there would be something causing Him trouble, yea, all things must in that case be in a state of disorder and perpetual strife; whereas the Good imparts a principle of harmony to…”
Both passages discuss the nature of the divine and the impossibility of evil or compulsion within the divine realm. They emphasize the harmony and goodness inherent in the divine nature, though they come from different mystical traditions.
◆christian_mysticism|Pseudo-Dionysius: The Divine Names|Chapter 5, Section 1g
“as an Unity, produce the essences of things: laws which are called in Divine Science 141 “Preordinations” or Divine and beneficent Volitions, laws which ordain things and create them, laws whereby the Super-Essential preordained and brought…”
Both passages discuss the nature of divine will and necessity, emphasizing that divine actions are not compelled but are inherently beneficial and ordered. They both explore the concept of divine preordination and the immutability of divine nature.
◆christian_mysticism|Pseudo-Dionysius: The Mystical Theology|Chapter Ib
“They are useful and necessary up to a point, but the Truth lies beyond them and is to be apprehended to a supernatural manner by what later writers call “infused” contemplation.
The sum of the whole matter is that God is incomprehensible.…”
Both passages discuss the nature of the divine as transcendent and beyond human comprehension, emphasizing the limitations of human understanding in grasping the divine essence. They also highlight the necessity and beneficence inherent in the divine nature.