What does Cataphatic theology teach?
Cataphatic theology or kataphatic theology is theology that uses “positive” terminology to describe or refer to the divine – specifically, God – i.e. terminology that describes or refers to what the divine is believed to be, in contrast to the “negative” terminology used in apophatic theology to indicate what it is …
What is affirmative theology?
According to the affirmative theology, every term that refers to the good and the beautiful in this world can be applied analogously to God: “God is good,” “God is love,” “God is light,” “God is truth.” Yet the seeker after God becomes aware that God transcends all qualities or attributes that are applied to the …
What is Cataphatic way?
Cataphatic Way (Via Positiva) – Speaking about God using positive language. – Thinkers including Aquinas have argued that we cannot say anything positive and literally true of God as our use of language automatically limits him, placing his attributes only within our own experiences and understanding.
What is meant by via negativa in theological terms?
The Latin term, which means the “way of negation,” refers to the stream of Christian theology which emphasized the unknowability of God and the inability of positive theological attributes to define God.
Does the Apophatic way enable effective understanding of God?
It prevents anthropomorphic statements being made about God. It supports the view of many thinkers, especially mystics, that God is beyond description and that experience of him is ineffable. It can be argued that only the via negativa adequately conveys the transcendence of God.
What is the purpose of via negativa?
Via negativa is a Latin phrase used in Christian theology to explain a way of describing God by focusing on what he is not, rather than what he is; understanding Deity’s positive qualities is a task deemed impossible for the finite minds of humans.