Analogy and Symbol

Religious Language

Statements or utterances concerned with religion, including beliefs about God.

Truth-claims

Statements intended to be truthful, often in the context of religious beliefs.

Apophatic Way (Via Negativa)

An approach to theology that speaks about God by negating positive attributes.

Cataphatic Way (Via Positiva)

An approach to theology that affirms positive attributes of God.

Analogy

A comparison used to explain something difficult to understand by relating it to something familiar.

Symbol

A representation that participates in the meaning of its concept, often used in religious context.

Cognitive Language

Language that aims to describe something true or false about reality.

Non-cognitive Language

Language that does not attempt to describe objective truths, often interpreted subjectively.

Aquinas' Analogy of Attribution

A causal relationship where our attributes reflect God’s attributes, but are not identical.

Aquinas' Analogy of Proportion

A comparison where terms signify the same quality but differ in degree or intensity.

Anthropomorphism

Attributing human characteristics to God, considered problematic in theological language.

Revealed Theology

The belief that God has revealed his nature to humanity, allowing for positive knowledge of God.

Natural Theology

The belief that knowledge of God can be gained through observation of the natural world.

The Principle of Negation

A method of discussing God by negating inappropriate characterizations to understand what God is not.

Transcendence

The quality of God being beyond and independent from the physical universe and human understanding.

Agape

A selfless, unconditional love, often associated with God's love.

Epistemic Distance

The idea that a certain distance between humans and God is necessary for spiritual growth.

Clarity vs. Ambiguity

The tension between clear expressions of God versus the ambiguity of symbolic language.

Paul Tillich

A theologian known for his views on religious symbols and their significance in expressing the divine.

Symbolic Language

A type of language that communicates deeper meanings beyond simple factual statements.

Literal Language

Language that is meant to be taken exactly as stated without metaphor or exaggeration.

Metaphor

A figure of speech where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

Selective Revelation

The concept that God reveals certain truths selectively to humanity.

Cognitive vs. Non-cognitive

Distinction between language that conveys objective truth (cognitive) and that which is subjective (non-cognitive).

Limitations of Symbolism

The challenges and issues that arise when using symbols to represent divine truths, including potential misinterpretations.

Religious Discourse

Communication and discussion relating to religious topics, beliefs, and practices.

Direct Revelation

God’s immediate and clear communication to humanity.

Indirect Revelation

Understanding God through creation and nature rather than direct communication.

Divine Nature

The characteristics and attributes ascribed to God in theological discussions.

Theism

Belief in the existence of a God who is involved in the world.

Atheism

The disbelief in the existence of God or gods.

Skepticism

Doubt regarding religious truths or claims.

Faith

Trust and belief in God or religious doctrines.

Theological Language

Language specifically used to discuss, describe, or understand God and religious beliefs.

Religious Symbolism

The use of symbols to convey complex religious ideas and concepts.

Existential Concerns

Questions and ideas related to human existence and the meaning of life often explored in theology.

Human Finitude

The limitations of human understanding in relation to divine knowledge.

Causality

The relationship between cause and effect, often discussed in relation to God's role as the creator.

Religious Pluralism

The acceptance of diverse religious beliefs and practices within society.

Hermeneutics

The study of interpretation, especially of biblical texts or philosophical works.

Contextual Theology

An approach to theology that takes into account historical and cultural contexts.

Religious Experience

Personal experiences that individuals perceive as relating to the divine.

Metaphysical Assertions

Statements about the fundamental nature of reality that are often abstract and beyond physical observation.

Ethical Implications

The moral considerations and consequences that arise from theological beliefs.

Universality of Symbols

The idea that certain symbols have broad, cross-cultural meanings in different religious contexts.

Cultural Relativism

The practice of understanding beliefs and practices within their cultural context.

Orthodoxy

Adherence to accepted norms and beliefs within a religious tradition.

Heterodoxy

Deviation from accepted beliefs and practices within a religious tradition.

Faith Traditions

The various established religious beliefs and practices across different communities.

Theodicy

The justification of God’s goodness despite the existence of evil in the world.

Scriptural Interpretation

The process of analyzing and understanding religious texts.

Theological Ethics

The study of moral principles as derived from theological beliefs.

Human Language Limitations

The constraints of human language in adequately describing divine realities.

Spiritual Epistemology

The study of knowledge as it relates to spiritual beliefs and experiences.

Transcendent Truths

Truths that are believed to exist beyond the physical and empirical world.

Cultural Symbols

Symbols that convey meaning within specific cultural contexts.

Mythology

A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition.

Existentialism

A philosophy that emphasizes individual existence and the search for meaning.

Mysticism

A spiritual belief system emphasizing direct experience of the divine.

Pseudonymous Writings

Works written under a false name, often found in religious literature.

Agnosticism

The belief that nothing is known or can be known of the existence of God.

Spirituality

A broad concept encompassing personal beliefs and practices related to the divine.

Covenant Theology

The study of the covenants made between God and humanity in religious texts.

Divine Omnipotence

The all-powerful nature of God.

Divine Benevolence

The all-good and loving nature of God.

Faith vs. Reason

The relationship and tension between belief and logical reasoning in theology.

Divine Revelation

The ways in which God reveals knowledge and truths to humanity.

Salvation History

The narrative of God's actions in human history aimed at saving humanity.

Apocalyptic Literature

A genre of prophetic writing that reveals divine plans for the future.

Interfaith Dialogue

Conversations between individuals of different religious traditions aimed at mutual understanding.

Religious Fundamentalism

Strict adherence to specific theological doctrines typically in reaction to modernity.

Rituals

Formalized actions and ceremonies that express religious beliefs.

Philosophical Theology

The study of theology using philosophical methods and approaches.

Comparative Religion

The academic field that compares the beliefs, practices, and structures of various religions.

Divine Immanence

The belief that God is present and active within the world.

Parables

Simple stories used to illustrate moral or spiritual lessons, common in religious texts.

Virtue Ethics

An ethical theory emphasizing character and virtues in moral decision-making.

Historical Criticism

Analyzing religious texts in their historical context to better understand their meaning.

Religious Authority

Sources of authority in religious traditions, such as scriptures, leaders, or doctrines.

Collaborative Theology

An approach to theology that includes diverse voices and perspectives.

Divine Mystery

The incomprehensible and profound aspects of God's nature.

Ethical Monotheism

The belief in a single God who demands ethical behavior from humanity.

Historical Context

The circumstances and events surrounding the creation of religious texts.

Sacred Texts

Writings considered holy and authoritative within a religious tradition.

Religious Adaptation

The ways in which religious practices and beliefs change in response to cultural shifts.

Justice in Religion

The concept of fairness and moral rightness as understood within a religious framework.

Assessing Symbolic Interpretation

Analyzing the effectiveness and depth of meaning of symbols in religious contexts.

God’s Transcendence vs. Immanence

The distinction between God existing beyond the world and being present within it.

Belief Systems

Structured sets of beliefs that guide human behavior and reasoning.

Divine Attributes

Qualities or characteristics ascribed to God, such as love, mercy, and justice.

Universal Symbols

Symbols that are recognized and hold meaning across cultures and religions.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced when confronted with conflicting beliefs or values.

Faith’s Role in Knowledge

How faith influences one's understanding and perception of religious truths.

Philosophical Debate in Religion

Discussions and arguments surrounding key theological questions and concepts.

Intended Meaning in Symbols

The significance and interpretation of a symbol as understood by its users.

Religious Hermeneutics

The study of principles and methods for interpreting religious texts.

Experiential Knowledge

Understanding gained through personal experience, especially in a spiritual context.

Theological Controversies

Debates and disagreements among scholars regarding theological interpretations.

Scholarship in Religion

The academic study and analysis of various aspects of religious beliefs and practices.

Holistic Approach to Theology

Understanding theology by incorporating multiple perspectives and disciplines.