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In this article, I analyzed Eriugena’s understanding of return, which culminates in deification with and in God. Metaphysical, cosmological, and anthropological aspects of Eriugena’s theology well demonstrate the pattern of return. Eriugena’s own definition of theology, just as poetry, portrays a broad dimension of procession and return. Multiple aspects of return are portrayed in Eriugena’s unique use of language and terminologies like analytica and harmonia.
Eriugena divides the return into two stages, general and special returns. In spite of a certain ambiguity, general return consists of five stages as highlighted in the fivefold division of nature. Special return is another perspective to the return in general. The sevenfold special return is composed of two sub-stages, the fourfold general return reserved for all humanity and the threefold special return reserved only for the elect. They reflect manifold aspects of Eriugena’s theology deeply alluding to the theology of the Fathers. Special return, furthermore, is well demonstrated in the term deification. Deification, the final stage ascent of every natura, is completed in and with God. Relying upon the term theosis of Dionysius and Maximus, John articulated deification within a theological framework of procession and return.
John’s two major writings, Periphyseon and Expositiones, succinctly dramatize multiple dimensions of deification. While Eriugena’s interpretation of double returns and deification indicate the conceptual aspects of return, Eriugena’s unique understanding of the Scriptures demonstrates Eriugena as an exegete. Eriugena’s exegetical work so permeates his theology that McGinn labels the Periphyseon a biblical commentary. Eriugena’s specific terms like symbols, signs, and parabolic transition, nicely portray the foundation of allegorical and spiritual interpretations.
Among Eriugena’s numerous illustrations of Scriptural passages, I examined one case, the paradise narrative. This story is profoundly related to the two stages of return, general return and special return. The Paradise story stands at the center of the Periphyseon. There are two categories of trees, the tree of knowledge and the Tree of the Life. Eriugena also distinguishes the return to Paradise and the return to the Tree of Life. While the return to Paradise and tasting of all trees there signify the general return of humanity, the return to the Tree of Life represents the special return only reserved for the elect. The parable of the ten virgins is the best poetic and dramatic illustration for the double return. This parable also contains two sets of returns, general and special.