cataphatic (symbols)

symbols

tillich

signs

• no emotional connection 

  • just points them to do something

  • e.g. traffic light

symbols

• points to something 

• participate in a deeper way (emotional connection)

  • unlock “hidden depths of our own being”

  • deep truths 

e.g. 

• flag = country, evokes patriotism

• crucifix

  • sign Jesus died on the cross

  • spiritual significance (God’s love, atonement, salvation)

Jesus = “lamb of God”

pros for symbols

• deep meaning religion has

• personal experience of God 

• world shows importance of symbols = verified synthetically 

  • crucifix / flags

  • baptism

• preserves transcendence / mystery of God better than analogy

• builds on CARL JUNG’s ideas on symbols

• used since start of religion

  • ICTHUS = Jesus in early Christianity

• easier to understand than Via Negativa

cons for symbols

• RANDALL - symbolic language = non-cognitive, so VP says meaningless

• meaning of symbols subjective to individual, time, culture 

  • may not come from God

• unclear

  • how are deeper truths ‘unlocked’?

  • how do theists ‘participate’ in symbols?

• CS LEWIS - necessary to have a realist view of some aspects of God 

  • rejects Jesus’ death as solely symbolic 

  • Christianity depends on Jesus being son of God, so language about him must really be true