Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) cover image

Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)

Henny Fiskå Hägg on Clement’s Apophatic Writing

Jun 6, 2020
Professor Henny Fiskå Hägg explores Clement of Alexandria's apophatic theory and writing-practice, discussing the challenges of describing God when words are insufficient. The podcast delves into Clement's use of alpha privatives and Middle Platonist influence, his emphasis on apophatic theology, and the concept of esotericism in Christianity. It also examines research theology and the different approaches to attaining knowledge of God, as well as the impact of Clement's ideas throughout history.
39:05

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Quick takeaways

  • Clement of Alexandria emphasizes the unknowable nature of God and the challenge of expressing the ineffable.
  • Clement utilizes alpha privatives and various linguistic methods to communicate the limitations of language in expressing the divine.

Deep dives

Overview of Apophasis

Apophasis is the recognition that language is inadequate to express certain aspects of reality. It is not limited to theology, but in the context of Clement of Alexandria, apophasis focuses on the question of how man can know God. Clement emphasizes that God is unknowable in his essence, leading to the denial of man's ability to fully comprehend God. Apophasis is the acknowledgment that language falls short in expressing the divine.

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