[Faith] Episode 57: Janet Williams - What We Can (and Can’t) Say About God
May 5, 2025
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In a thought-provoking discussion, theologian Janet Williams, an expert in religious studies and author of 'Seeking the God Beyond,' dives into apophatic theology, emphasizing the mysterious nature of God. She explores the challenges of using language to describe the divine, inviting listeners to reflect on the limits of human expression. Williams also discusses the evolution of personal images of God and the importance of embracing divine paradox, encouraging a deeper, more contemplative approach to spirituality that acknowledges both silence and compassion.
Apophatic theology emphasizes the limitations of human language in discussing God, encouraging a humble approach to spiritual understanding.
The new class 'Mythbusting the Bible' promotes curiosity and challenges preconceived notions about Scripture, fostering deeper biblical engagement.
An inclusive children's book retells biblical stories, inviting diverse audiences to explore spirituality while respecting varying beliefs and traditions.
Deep dives
Engaging with Mythbusting
A new class called 'Mythbusting the Bible' emphasizes a more curious and honest conversation about Scripture, encouraging participants to challenge preconceived notions. The hosts share their personal revelations about the Bible, illustrating transformative moments that reshaped their understanding. This approach invites individuals to explore complex questions they may have about their faith and the Bible. The class aims to foster thoughtful discussions, appealing to those interested in a deeper and more nuanced approach to biblical interpretation.
The Release of a Children's Bible
A recently released children's book, 'God's Stories as Told by God's Children,' offers an inclusive and imaginative retelling of biblical tales. Created by over 50 contributors from diverse backgrounds, this storybook Bible encourages children and their parents to engage with biblical narratives while respecting varying beliefs. The aim is to create a resource that stimulates curiosity in children and opens avenues for discussing spirituality and tradition. This project reflects a commitment to enriching children's understanding of faith in an accessible manner.
Understanding Apophatic Theology
Apophatic theology describes the limitations of language when discussing God, as human words often fail to capture the divine essence. This concept highlights the idea that God, being the source of all reality, can't be adequately expressed through human language alone. The dialogue suggests that if God exceeds our descriptions, we must recognize the inadequacies of our assertions about God and embrace a posture of humility. Thus, unsaying certain notions about God invites deeper contemplation of the complexities of faith.
The Role of Language in Spirituality
The discussion reveals the dual nature of language in spiritual contexts—how it can both illuminate and obscure our understanding of God. While words serve as vehicles for sharing experiences and beliefs, they can inadvertently create idols or comfortable images of God that do not reflect the divine mystery. The conversation encourages a balanced approach, where silence and rich artistic expressions complement the use of language in spirituality. This awareness of language fosters a more profound relationship with the divine by reminding individuals to remain open to the indescribable aspects of God.
The Challenges of Biblical Interpretation
The complexity of Scripture is underscored as the conversation touches on its multi-vocal nature, suggesting that various biblical authors often present contrasting narratives. This nuanced approach challenges the notion of a singular, clear interpretation of biblical texts, highlighting that the richness of Scripture lies in its diversity. Reading the Bible with an openness to its layers encourages a deeper engagement with the text and helps prevent misinterpretations that could arise from a limited perspective. Embracing such complexity allows for an exploration of faith that resonates on both personal and communal levels.
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete Enns and Anna Sieges Beal talk with theologian Janet Williams about apophatic theology, a tradition that emphasizes the mystery of God by acknowledging the limits of human language and understanding. Janet explores how describing God by what God is not—rather than what God is—can open up a deeper, more expansive experience of the divine.
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