Negative Theology and Philosophical Analysis: Only the Splendour of Light

This book explores the neglected aspect of negative theology in analytic philosophy and demonstrates how it is essential to understanding Christian thought about God. It challenges the traditional view of language and offers a Wittgensteinian account that supports negative theology's themes such as divine personhood, the Trinity, and the afterlife.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 191 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This groundbreaking book delves into the realm of negative or apophatic theology, a profound exploration within the analytic tradition. Apophatic theology posits that there exists a profound sense in which we cannot fully articulate what God is. While significant elements of negative theology can be found in the works of Christian thinkers such as Gregory of Nyssa and Aquinas, this theological perspective has been overlooked in philosophical theology as practiced within the analytic tradition. In contrast, Hewitt presents a compelling argument that apophatic theology is integral to the way Christians have conceived of God throughout history and offers robust defenses against common criticisms in the philosophical literature.

Hewitt identifies the discomfort with apophaticism among contemporary philosophical theologians as stemming from a specific understanding of language, known as referentialism. He challenges the notion that this perspective is mandatory and proposes an alternative account of language that aligns more closely with negative theology, drawing inspiration from the work of later Wittgenstein. This alternative account is then applied to key themes in philosophical theology, including divine personhood, the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the afterlife.

Through meticulous scholarship and thoughtful analysis, Hewitt demonstrates how apophatic theology offers a unique perspective on the divine that goes beyond traditional conceptualizations. He explores the complexities of language and the limitations of human understanding, highlighting the ways in which apophaticism can help us to approach the divine with humility and reverence. Hewitt's book is a valuable contribution to the field of philosophical theology, providing a fresh and insightful perspective on one of the most challenging and important aspects of religious belief. It will be of interest to scholars, theologians, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the nature of God and the human relationship with the divine.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030496043
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020