Difference between revisions of "Cataphatic theology"
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− | '''Cataphatic theology''' | + | '''Cataphatic theology''' (or "positive theology") seeks to understand [[God]] in positive terms, emphasizing God's revelations. With cataphatic [[theology]], one learns about God by learning facts about God. |
− | The Orthodox tradition to theology leans far greater to [[ | + | The Orthodox tradition to theology leans far greater to [[apophatic theology]], or "negative theology". This sees God, as beyond our understanding and, therefore, beyond defining through positive assertions in words, therefore, beyond defining through positive assertions. |
− | When an Orthodox [[theologian]] makes a cataphatic statement such as | + | When an Orthodox [[theologian]] makes a cataphatic statement such as "God is everywhere" his apophatic approach would feel this too limiting, and would also say that God is also outside creation, and we don't know everywhere that God is. Even the statement "God exists" must be countered with the apophatic statement that God's existence is altogether different than any existence that we can imagine. |
[[Category:Theology]] | [[Category:Theology]] |
Latest revision as of 18:09, June 11, 2008
Cataphatic theology (or "positive theology") seeks to understand God in positive terms, emphasizing God's revelations. With cataphatic theology, one learns about God by learning facts about God.
The Orthodox tradition to theology leans far greater to apophatic theology, or "negative theology". This sees God, as beyond our understanding and, therefore, beyond defining through positive assertions in words, therefore, beyond defining through positive assertions.
When an Orthodox theologian makes a cataphatic statement such as "God is everywhere" his apophatic approach would feel this too limiting, and would also say that God is also outside creation, and we don't know everywhere that God is. Even the statement "God exists" must be countered with the apophatic statement that God's existence is altogether different than any existence that we can imagine.