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The Theology Mill

Johannes Steenbuch / Negative Theology, Pt. 1

Dec 5, 2024
Johannes Aakjær Steenbuch, a philosophy PhD from the University of Copenhagen and author of "Negative Theology: A Short Introduction," explores intriguing theological concepts. He discusses the evolution of negative theology from early church fathers to modern thinkers like Kierkegaard. The conversation highlights how negative theology articulates God through what He is not, analyzes the divine nature’s incomprehensibility, and examines how concepts of nothingness in Meister Eckhart's thought relate to spiritual connection. This deep dive navigates complex ideas in theological history.
01:02:39

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Quick takeaways

  • Negative theology defines God primarily through negation, emphasizing the divine incomprehensibility that shapes various theological discussions.
  • Key figures like Gregory of Nyssa and Meister Eckhart advanced negative theology by challenging conventional concepts of God and morality.

Deep dives

Understanding Negative Theology

Negative theology refers to a theological discourse that defines God through negation, emphasizing God's incomprehensibility and ineffability. This approach uses negative definitions, stating what God is not, such as God being infinite, invisible, and beyond human comprehension. The significance of negative theology lies in its assertion that all theological discussions must acknowledge the mysterious nature of God, serving as a counterpoint to positive definitions. As such, negative theology is not a standalone concept but an intrinsic aspect of various theological frameworks that attempt to grasp the divine.

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