“Fuit deus et hyle”. Theology in the Dialogue "Asclepius, sive dialogus Hermetis Trismegisti" as an Element of the Religious Message of Hermes Trismegistus

Kazimierz Pawłowski

Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw image/svg+xml , Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0474-3330


Abstract

The text discusses theological motifs in Asclepius, sive dialogus Hermetis Trismegisti, one of the most important Hermetic treatises, including the motif of God the creator of the world, as well as cognitive issues related to it. Among these cognitive issues is the motif of illumination. Demonological issues and the thread of earthly gods created by humans are also presented in the theological context. These issues are preceded by a general description of the philosophy propagated in this work, which is arranged in something that can be called a philosophical-religious message that is to open the spiritual sphere of human existence to the adepts of this philosophy. Theological issues constitute an important element of this message. It also includes the myth of the destruction of Egypt, which can be treated as a religious parable of the fall and rebirth of humanity, and at the same time an allegory of the spiritual fate of each individual who, after spiritual adventures related to physical existence, regains the status of a child of God.

Keywords:

Asclepius, Hermes Trismegistus, Hermetism, God



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Published
2026-09-15


Pawłowski, K. (2026). Fuit deus et hyle. Teologia w "Asclepius, sive dialogus Hermetis Trismegisti" jako element religijnego przesłania Hermesa Trismegistosa. Vox Patrum, 99, 487–516. https://doi.org/10.31743/vp.19187

Kazimierz Pawłowski  k.pawlowski@uksw.edu.pl
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw image/svg+xml https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0474-3330



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