Pleroma – A term originating in Gnosticism and adopted in early Christian theology, referring to the fullness of divine powers, attributes, and manifestations. It encompasses the totality of all properties and aspects of existence, including space itself.
In Gnostic cosmology, the Pleroma represents the divine realm, the realm of pure light and perfection, where the aeons (emanations of the divine) reside in harmonious unity. It is the domain of ultimate spiritual reality, beyond the limitations and imperfections of the material world.
The concept of Pleroma emphasizes the idea that the divine essence is complete and lacks nothing. It signifies the full manifestation of divine qualities, such as wisdom, love, and power, in their absolute and perfect form. Within the Pleroma, each aeon represents a distinct divine attribute, contributing to the overall richness and completeness of the divine realm.
Furthermore, the term Pleroma can also encompass the idea of the fullness of creation itself. It signifies the totality of all that exists, both material and spiritual, encompassing the realms of matter, energy, consciousness, and beyond. It suggests that every aspect of existence, including space and time, is an expression of the divine fullness.
In early Christian theology, the concept of Pleroma was sometimes adopted to describe the fullness of Christ or the Church, symbolizing the completeness and perfection found in the divine union. It conveys the idea that through spiritual enlightenment and participation in the divine, individuals can partake in the fullness of God’s grace and attributes.
Overall, Pleroma represents the divine fullness and completeness, encompassing both the spiritual realm of divine attributes and the entirety of creation itself, including space and all that exists within it. It invites contemplation of the profound depth and richness of the divine nature and the interconnectedness of all things within the divine order.