APOPHATISM Meaning and
Definition
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Apophatism, also known as negative theology, is a philosophical and theological approach that stresses the limitations of human language and understanding in describing the nature of the divine or ultimate reality. It is a concept rooted in ancient Greek philosophy and has a strong presence in various religious traditions, including mystical practices in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
The term "apophatism" is derived from the Greek word "apophasis," which means "to deny" or "to negate." It refers to the idea that the divine essence or attributes cannot be positively defined or comprehended by human language and conceptualization. Instead, apophatism emphasizes the path of negation, suggesting that aspects of the divine can only be understood by what they are not, by denying or transcending human limited categories and concepts.
Apophatic theology acknowledges that the divine is beyond human comprehension and surpasses all human attempts to define or describe it. Adherents of this approach often employ rhetorical devices of paradox and contradiction to evoke a sense of awe and mystery. For example, rather than attempting to define God's love, it is said that God's love cannot even be fully comprehended or contained by human language or thought.
Apophatism invites individuals to approach the divine through silence, contemplation, and a letting go of preconceived notions. It recognizes the inherent limitations of human understanding and encourages a humble recognition of the ineffable and mysterious nature of the divine, inspiring individuals to deepen their spiritual understanding and connection with a reality that surpasses language and conceptualization.
Common Misspellings for APOPHATISM
- zpophatism
- spophatism
- wpophatism
- qpophatism
- aoophatism
- alophatism
- a-ophatism
- a0ophatism
- apiphatism
- apkphatism
- aplphatism
- appphatism
- ap0phatism
- ap9phatism
- apoohatism
- apolhatism
- apo-hatism
- apo0hatism
- apopgatism
- apopbatism
Etymology of APOPHATISM
The word "apophatism" is derived from the Greek word "apophasis" (ἀπόφασις), which means "denial" or "negative statement". It is a compound of "apo" (ἀπό), which signifies "away from" or "off", and "phasis" (φάσις), meaning "speech" or "utterance". In theological contexts, apophatism refers to the practice of describing God by stating what He is not or denying human ability to comprehend His true nature. It is often contrasted with cataphatism, which involves describing God through positive attributes. The term "apophatism" is commonly used in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic theology, deriving from the Greek Church Fathers who explored the limits of human understanding when it comes to the divine.
Similar spelling words for APOPHATISM
