Stephen Bar Sudaili: A Mystic Who Challenged the Boundaries of Faith
by Beezone
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Stephen Bar Sudaili, a 6th-century monk and thinker, is a figure who dared to imagine a radically different relationship between God and humanity. Born around 480 in Edessa, a city known for its vibrant intellectual and spiritual life, Stephen’s ideas sparked both admiration and condemnation. His belief that all differences—between God and people, between the Father and the Son, and even between good and evil—would ultimately disappear created a stir in his time and continues to challenge theological traditions today.
The World Stephen Lived In
Edessa was a hub of ideas, blending Christian theology with influences from Greek philosophy and Eastern mysticism. Stephen was a product of this rich intellectual environment, becoming a monk and gaining respect for his learning and devotion. However, his views on what happens at the end of time put him at odds with the religious leaders of his day.
Stephen believed that eventually, God would unite everything and everyone—good and bad, divine and human—into a single, undivided reality. He pointed to a passage from the Bible (1 Corinthians 15:28) that says, “God will be all in all,” as the foundation for this belief. While some admired his vision of unity, others saw it as dangerous and even heretical.
Why His Ideas Were Controversial
At the heart of Stephen’s teachings was the idea that all distinctions would ultimately disappear. This included distinctions between Creator and creation, good and evil, and even the Father and the Son in the Christian Trinity. For many leaders of the church, these distinctions were essential. They believed that the relationships between God, humanity, and the world were central to the faith.
Leaders like Jacob of Sarug and Philoxenus of Mabbug, who were highly respected in their time, criticized Stephen’s ideas. Jacob tried to persuade him to change his views, while Philoxenus went so far as to warn other monks about his teachings. One bishop even called Stephen “insane.” These leaders saw his teachings as a threat to the foundation of Christian belief.
The Book of the Holy Hierotheos
Late in his life, Stephen wrote a book called The Book of the Holy Hierotheos. In it, he expanded on his ideas of ultimate unity. To lend credibility to his work, he used the name Hierotheos, a revered teacher in Christian mystical writings. This book brought together ideas from Christian mysticism and Greek philosophy, creating a bold vision of a world where all divisions fade away.
Although condemned in his time, the book has continued to intrigue readers throughout history. It explores themes of unity and restoration that resonate with people drawn to spiritual and philosophical questions about the nature of God and humanity.
Stephen’s Legacy
Stephen Bar Sudaili’s ideas were far ahead of his time, challenging not only the beliefs of his contemporaries but also the “bedrock” assumptions of Christian theology that remain influential today. His vision of a world without divisions invites us to rethink our understanding of God, love, and the ultimate purpose of life.
While his teachings were rejected by the leaders of his time, Stephen’s boldness and creativity continue to inspire those who seek a deeper understanding of the divine. By imagining a world where all boundaries dissolve, Stephen dared to ask questions that remain relevant: What does it mean for God to be “all in all”? And how might our understanding of faith change if we let go of the divisions we hold so tightly?
Stephen’s life and work remind us that challenging questions—even when controversial—can lead to profound insights and lasting impact.
Further Reading
For readers who wish to explore Stephen Bar Sudaili and his theology in greater depth, the following references offer valuable insights:
- Bettiolo, Paolo. Syriac Literature. A comprehensive overview of Syriac Christian texts, including Stephen’s contributions.
- Griffith, Sidney H. The Beginnings of Christian Theology in Arabic. Explores the intellectual exchanges between Syriac Christianity and other traditions.
- Philoxenus of Mabbug. Letters and Writings. Contextual critiques of Stephen’s teachings by one of his most vocal opponents.
- Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. The Mystical Theology. While not directly related to Stephen, this work sheds light on the mystical influences that shaped his thought.
- Brock, Sebastian. The Syriac Fathers on Prayer and the Spiritual Life. A broader look at Syriac Christian spirituality, offering context for Stephen’s ideas.
- Origen. On First Principles. Stephen’s theological roots can be traced back to Origen’s ideas of universal restoration.
- The Book of the Holy Hierotheos (translated excerpts). Stephen’s most significant work, showcasing his vision of ultimate unity.
More:
The Syriac Sinaiticus, a late 4th century codex also known also as the Sinaitic Palimpsest or the Codex Syriacus, contains a translation of the four canonical gospels of the New Testament into Syriac. It is the oldest translation of the Bible into any language. In 778 CE it was palimpsested with a vita of female saints and martyrs. The Syriac Sinaiticus is the oldest copy of the gospels in Syriac. The Syriac Sinaiticus: The Oldest Translation of the Bible Circa 375 CE