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Apophaticism, Postmodernism and Language: Two Similar Cases of Theological Imbalance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 January 2009

Daniel Bulzan
Affiliation:
Department of Theology and Religious Studies, King's College London, Strand, London WC2 2LS

Extract

Postmodernism and apophaticism do not seem perhaps the most obvious association, even in a discussion about the nature of language. Indeed, the former is a complex phenomenon of culture, very hard to define and to a large degree still unassessed, while the latter is a specifically theological current, spread over many centuries and with relatively little impact on societies. However, as an anti-modern reaction, postmodernism seems drawn to almost any human endeavour that does not conform to the canons of modernity, thus being open for dialogue and comparison with varied movements of ideas. It is, of course, debateable whether this non-conformity is the main criterion for the postmodern interests, or whether the anti-modern rhetoric is in fact a cover-up for a larger agenda.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Scottish Journal of Theology Ltd 1997

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References

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29 Mortley notes the ‘ecumenical’ potential of such a theology, given its capacity to dissolve the differences between dogmas belonging to various groups; Mortley, op. cit., p. 229.

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37 P.G. 3, 1000B.

38 According to Mortley's interpretation, op. cit., pp. 234, 260, 262.

39 P.G. 3, 728D, 732C–D; Pseudo-Dionysius, op. cit., pp. 92, 94 (Divine Names Ch. IV, 27, 32)

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58 Jean-Luc Marion for instance crosses out the word ‘God’ whenever he uses it, precisely in order to convey this idea, op. cit.

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