RL - Negative, Analogical or Symbolic: Detailed Notes

• Why is it difficult to talk meaningfully about God according to Christians?

  God is beyond human understanding.
• What does the Via Negativa theory claim about God?

  We can only say what God is not.
• Who is associated with the Via Negativa theory?

  Pseudo-Dionysius
• How does negative language differ from ordinary English in the context of Via Negativa?

  Negative language describes what something is not.
• How does Maimonides illustrate the Via Negativa theory?

  Through the example of a ship.
• What is Brian Davis's critique of Maimonides' argument?

  Negative language only works in special cases.
• What does Pseudo-Dionysius argue about our intellect and God?

  Our intellect cannot grasp God.
• How does the Via Negativa help Christians avoid anthropomorphizing God?

  It prevents viewing God in human terms.
• What does Aquinas claim about negative language in religious discussions?

  It is not what people want to say.
• What does Aquinas argue about the Bible's description of God?

  The Bible uses positive language about God.
• How does Aquinas' theory of analogy differ from Via Negativa?

  It allows for saying what God is like.
• What is the analogy of attribution according to Aquinas?

  God's qualities are analogous to human qualities.
• What does Aquinas say about original sin and human reason?

  Original sin did not destroy our ability to reason.
• What is Karl Barth's critique of natural theology?

  It relies too much on human reason.
• How does Aquinas respond to Barth's critique?

  Aquinas claims reason can know God analogically.
• What does Aquinas believe about the relationship between human attributes and God's attributes?

  They are analogous but proportionally greater.
• What is Brummer's objection to Aquinas' analogy of proportion?

  It fails to accurately compare divine and human qualities.
• What is Standard Via Positiva language?

  Language that is univocal or equivocal
• Why do univocal and equivocal languages fail regarding religious language?

  They fail because we are not like God
• What is Aquinas' insight about the truth of language about God?

  The truth is in the middle of extremes
• How are human attributes related to God's attributes according to Aquinas?

  They are analogous, not identical
• What does Genesis suggest about humans and God?

  Humans are made in God's image
• What is Brummer's objection to the analogy of proportion?

  It fails to explain how God loves
• What does the analogy of attribution aim to address?

  It addresses how God has human qualities
• What does Alston argue about religious language?

  It must involve factual elements
• How does Tillich view religious language?

  As symbolic, not literal
• How does a crucifix function in Tillich's theory?

  It connects a Christian's mind to God
• What does Tillich mean by 'ground of being'?

  It symbolizes the ultimate concern
• What is a strength of Tillich's theory according to the evaluation?

  It captures the spiritual side of language
• What is a weakness of Tillich's theory according to Alston?

  It reduces religious language to symbols
• How does Hick critique Tillich's theory of participation?

  It lacks clarity on how symbols participate
• What does Hick suggest about the subjectivity of symbols?

  They may only exist in our minds
• What is a critique of Tillich's theory regarding subjective experience?

  It cannot be a basis for shared meaning
• What does Tillich claim about the function of religious language?

  It connects human souls to God
• How does the analogy of proportionality relate to God's love?

  It suggests we cannot fully understand it
• What is the significance of the critique regarding the subjectivity of symbols?

  It questions the objectivity of religious language
• What does Tillich mean by 'ultimate concern'?

  It refers to what matters most to humans
• What is the main focus of Alston's critique of Tillich?

  Religious language must involve facts
• How does Tillich's theory address the challenge of talking about God?

  It allows for connection without understanding
• What does the critique of Tillich's theory suggest about spiritual experiences?

  They may be purely subjective experiences