Catharsis and the Nous
The theology of the West is characterized by the elevation of the intellect, or the rational mind, evidenced by the academic approach in its seminaries. A “theological school”, by definition, applies a scholastic approach to learning, employing aristotelian logic and reason to arrive at systematic conclusions. Although the information age has distributed many theological writings, reading about first-hand experiences of The Holy does not qualify a true theologian. Rather than a sharp rational capacity, a true theologian requires a pure noetic facility.
The “nous”, or center of man, is sometimes described as the “heart”, the facility of man which “grows cold” (Matthew 12:24) due to wickedness. Sins, vices and passions affect this spiritual “eye”, the purity of which fills the body with light as with a lamp (Matthew 6:22). It is those who are pure in heart that are blessed, for they shall “see” God (Matthew 5). It is this “seeing” the Invisible God, a Firelight that burns but does not consume (Genesis 3:2), that a true theologian is produced. The purifying effect of this “fire” on the nous is the catalyst for True Theology. By the Light of God, we see light (Psalm 36:9).
Catharsis (Katharsis) is the greek word describing this purification of the soul. For the righteous, the Fire of God does not consume, but purifies the spiritual sight to see more clearly. Sanctification is the state of illumination, where the sinner becomes aware of God, becoming more mindful where he steps (Ps 119:105). It is the beauty of the Divine Light that draws the righteous and consumes wickedness. “For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). It is this personal holiness that translates the Nature of God to one’s fellow man.
The Light of God represents and is Divine Wisdom, or hidden Knowledge of God. Thus this invisible Divine Light, or Glory, is indeed True Theology. It is the true theologian who is filled with this Divine Light (Exodus 43:35), pouring forth in word and action, revealing The Holy. We read about this spiritual phenomenon in textbook cases in the bible. Rather than reading about theologians, the true theologian is he who experiences the Divine Light of God, evidenced by his own outward disposition of character.
Saint Catherine's Society for Metaphysics 
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