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• What does the Via Negativa theory claim about God?

  We cannot meaningfully say what God is.
• Who is associated with the Via Negativa theory?

  Pseudo-Dionysius
• How does positive/negative language differ in philosophical context compared to ordinary English?

  Positive means good, negative means bad.
• What does negative language describe?

  What a thing is not.
• What does positive language describe?


  What a thing is.
• What does the Via Negativa theory suggest about describing God?

  We should only say what God is not.
• What does saying "God is not darkness" imply?

  God is beyond the dark/light distinction.
• What does saying "God is not physical" imply?

  God is beyond the physical/non-physical distinction.
• What is the purpose of negative language in relation to God?

  To show God is beyond our descriptions.
• What is Brian Davis's critique of Maimonides' view?

  Negative language only works in special cases.
• Why does Brian Davis believe we cannot understand God through negation?

  Many cases, including God, are unique.
• What might be a limitation of Maimonides' approach?

  It may not lead us closer to knowing God.
• How does Pseudo-Dionysius view our intellect's attempt to grasp God?

  It leads to anthropomorphization and confusion.
• What does the Via Negativa help us accept about God?

  God is beyond our intellect's understanding.
• How does the Via Negativa approach help Christians?

  • Prevents anthropomorphizing God
  • Challenges the image of God as human-like
  • Encourages a more accurate understanding of God
• What is Aquinas' critique of the Via Negativa regarding everyday Christian meaning?

  It does not reflect what people want to say.
• What does Aquinas argue about religious language in worship?

  It is inconsistent with the Via Negativa.
• What positive descriptions of God are found in the Bible?

  "God is love" and "God is spirit."
• How does Aquinas' critique succeed in discussing God?

  It acknowledges human experience in descriptions.
• What do Christians believe about God's love in relation to human love?

  God's love is beyond human understanding.