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The ''Ladder of Divine Ascent'' is a late 12th century icon at Saint Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai.〔''Festival icons for the Christian year'' by John Baggley 2000 ISBN 0-88141-201-5 pages 83-84()〕〔 The icon represents the theological teachings of John Climacus, also known as ''John of the Ladder'', as represented in the ascetical treatise ''The Ladder of Divine Ascent'', written c. AD 600. The treatise has been influential in Eastern Christianity.〔''The Quest for the City : A.D. 740 to 1100'' by Ted Byfield 2004 ISBN 0-9689873-6-2 page 20 ()〕〔''Written Word: Exploring Faith Through Christian Art'' by Eileen M. Daily 2005 ISBN 0-88489-850-4 page 73 ()〕 The icon depicts monks ascending the ladder towards Jesus in Heaven, at the top right of the image with John Climacus at the top of the ladder, being welcomed by Jesus. The ladder has 30 rungs representing the 30 stages of ascetic life.〔 The ascent of the monks is assisted by the prayers of angels, saints and the community, while demons attack and try to make monks fall from the ladder by pulling them down or striking them with arrows.〔〔 The depiction of the ladder reflects the importance of angels and demons in Eastern Orthodox spirituality.〔''The Oxford illustrated history of Christianity'' by John McManners 2001 ISBN 0-19-285439-9 page 136〕 The icon also shows a gaping maw, representing the Devil himself who is devouring a monk who has fallen from the ladder.〔''The Uncreated Light: An Iconographical Study of the Transfiguration In the Eastern Church'' by Solrunn Nes 2007 ISBN 0-8028-1764-5 page 89〕 The ladder shows some monks who have almost reached the summit as being tempted by demons and falling.〔''Growing in Christ: Shaped in His Image'' by Mother Raphaela 2003 ISBN 0-88141-253-8 page 20〕 The depiction of the monks falling off is a reflection of what John Climacus expressed as "what never ceased to amaze him" namely why some monks still gave in to worldly passions when God, the angels and the saints were encouraging them towards virtue.〔 ==References== 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Ladder of Divine Ascent (icon)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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