"I’m searching for theological language that avoids the twin dangers of religious imperialism, on the one hand (depicting the other as the same as or just like me, included in my theological categories and assumptions), and incommensurability, on the other (depicting the other as so different that we have nothing in common and I can say nothing to or about her). How, then, might one engage in a task that is both necessary and seemingly impossible? How might one responsibly speak of and to the other in a way that preserves the otherness of the other? An apophatic approach to our theological language for religious diversity may provide one path through this dilemma." (Emily Holmes)
That's a great thesis, and a helpful way of framing the questions, and I am so looking forward to her lecture Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Good Shepherd...
An apophatic approach will tilt toward incommensurability, I think, unless it's combined with some kataphatic elements (whether in language, experience itself, the condition of the possibility of experience, nature, something). Fearing our imperialism may be evidence that we secretly believe we are right. Why not embrace that possibility and risk actually being wrong?
ReplyDeleteAlso interesting in this connection is how brow wrinkling these concepts would be to most believers--of all stripes, everywhere.
WIsh I could hear this lecture. Thanks for posting it.