RL: Negative, Analogical or Symbolic

• What is the main topic of the summary notes provided on the page?

  Religious language
• What are the two versions of the summary notes available?

  A*-A grade and B-C grade
• What does the Via Negativa theory claim about God?

  We cannot meaningfully say what God is, only what God is not.
• How do philosophers differentiate between positive and negative language in the context of the Via Negativa?

  Positive language describes what a thing is, while negative language describes what a thing is not.
• What does Pseudo-Dionysius suggest we should give up on regarding God?


  We should give up on saying what God is.
• What does saying "God is not darkness" imply according to the Via Negativa?

  It implies that God is beyond the dark/light distinction completely.
• What is the strength of the Via Negativa approach?


  It avoids anthropomorphizing God by not applying human concepts to Him.
• How does the Bible challenge the Via Negativa approach?

  The Bible describes God in positive terms, suggesting that positive language about God is valid.
• What is Maimonides' response to the use of positive language in the Bible?

  He argues that the Bible requires careful interpretation and refers to God's actions rather than His nature.
• What does Aquinas reject regarding language about God?

  Aquinas rejects univocal and equivocal language about God.
• What is univocal language?

  Univocal language is when a word has one meaning.
• Why does Aquinas believe univocal language cannot apply to God?


  Because God's love is on a different level than human love, and we cannot apply the same meaning.
• What is equivocal language?

  Equivocal language is when a word has multiple meanings.
• Why does Aquinas believe equivocal language fails when talking about God?

  Because if the meaning is totally different, we wouldn't know what it means when applied to God.
• What is Aquinas' solution to the problem of language about God?


  Aquinas suggests a middle ground where we are analogous to God.
• What does the analogy of attribution allow us to say about God?

  We can meaningfully say that God has qualities that are analogous to our human qualities.
• What does the analogy of proportion suggest about God's qualities?

  God's qualities are infinite and greater than ours.
• How does Aquinas' analogy respect God's transcendence?

  It allows us to speak about God without claiming to fully understand His nature.
• What is the strength of Aquinas' approach?


  Aquinas finds a way to speak about God Via Positiva without contradicting the belief that God is beyond our understanding.
• What is a potential issue with Aquinas' analogy regarding bad qualities?


  It suggests that God might have bad qualities like greed or hatred, which are human qualities.
• How does Aquinas respond to the issue of bad qualities?

  He argues that bad human qualities come from original sin and do not apply to God.
• What does Tillich claim about religious language?

  Religious language is not literal; it is symbolic.
• What is the purpose of symbolic language according to Tillich?


  It connects a person's mind to God, similar to a religious experience.
• How does Tillich illustrate the concept of symbolic language?


  He compares it to a Christian feeling connected to God when looking at a crucifix.
• What does Tillich mean by the 'ground of being'?

  God is a symbol for the 'ground of being', which represents ultimate concern.
• How does Tillich view the role of religious language in existentialism?

  It helps connect humans to mysteries about the meaning and purpose of life.
• What is a strength of Tillich's theory regarding the Bible?

  It acknowledges that the Bible contains symbolic and metaphorical elements.
• How does Tillich's view of religious language compare to literal interpretations of the Bible?

  Much of the religious language in the Bible is not symbolic, but Tillich focuses on everyday religious language.
• What is a further evaluation of Tillich's theory?


  Tillich does not have a problem with viewing the Bible as a historical document with factual elements.
• What is a strength of the Via Negativa view regarding everyday Christian meaning?

  It helps Christians realize that God is beyond anything they can imagine.
• What does Pseudo-Dionysius argue about grasping God?

  He claims that letting go of our attempts to grasp God leads to a greater unity with Him.
• How does Pseudo-Dionysius relate the experience of unity with God to Moses?


  He compares it to Moses climbing Mount Sinai to encounter God.
• What is Aquinas' critique of the Via Negativa regarding everyday Christian meaning?


  Aquinas argues that it is not how most religious believers want to talk about God.
• What does Aquinas believe about the average Christian's understanding of God?

  He believes they accept that their descriptions depend on their human experience and understanding.
• How do Christians view the phrase 'God is love' according to Aquinas?


  They understand that God's love is beyond anything we can comprehend but is still analogous to human love.
• What is the strength of Tillich's theory regarding everyday Christian meaning?


  Tillich's theory is arguably more successful than the Via Negativa and Analogy because it connects believers to their ultimate concerns.
• What are the key theories of religious language discussed in the notes?

  • Via Negativa (Pseudo-Dionysius)
  • Aquinas' theory of analogy
  • Tillich's theory of religious language as symbolic
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Via Negativa approach?

  Strengths:

  • Avoids anthropomorphizing God
  • Encourages letting go of attempts to grasp God

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Contradicts positive descriptions in the Bible
  • May not align with how believers want to talk about God
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Aquinas' theory of analogy?

  Strengths:

  • Allows meaningful discussion of God
  • Respects God's transcendence

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Suggests God may have bad qualities
  • Relies on human understanding
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Tillich's theory of symbolic language?

  Strengths:

  • Connects believers to ultimate concerns
  • Acknowledges symbolic elements in the Bible

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Some biblical language is not symbolic
  • May overlook literal interpretations