‘The apophatic method, whether in our theological discourse or in our life of prayer, is seemingly negative in character, but in its final aim it is supremely positive’ (The Orthodox Way, by Bishop Kallistos Ware, p.166)
As I read that tonight, I couldn’t help wonder if historical-critical biblical scholarship is the exegetical equivalent of the apophatic method.
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Note in this context that there is a significant ambiguity in the etymology of "apophatic": its derivation from "apo-phemi" denotes its usual meaning of a shying-away from speech, but you can also trace its lineage to "apo-phaino", in which case it takes on not just a more positive nuance but actually one which contains the thought of uncovering -- i.e. revelation.
James! How is settling into Cambridge working out?
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