doctrine of analogy
Definition
- Noun:
- A theological principle regarding the nature of language about God: The "doctrine of analogy" is the belief that any similarity between a created being (like a human) and the Creator (God) is always overshadowed by a greater dissimilarity. It asserts that human language and concepts, when applied to God, are never perfectly adequate or univocal, but are instead analogical.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The theologian explained the doctrine of analogy to clarify how we can speak meaningfully about a transcendent God.
- According to the doctrine of analogy, terms like "good" or "wise" apply to God and humans not in the same way, but in a way that is proportionally similar yet fundamentally different.
Advanced Usage
- "Via analogia": This Latin phrase, meaning "the way of analogy," is often used in theological discussions related to the doctrine of analogy.
- The philosopher argued for a via analogia in religious language, rather than a purely negative theology.
Variants and Related Words
- Analogical (adj): Pertaining to or based on analogy.
- He used an analogical method to interpret the sacred texts.
- Analogy (n): A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification. This is the root concept from which the doctrine is derived.
- She used an analogy of a parent's love to describe God's love.
Synonyms
- Analogical predication: The act of attributing qualities to God by way of analogy.
- Theory of analogical language (in theology): A phrase describing the same conceptual framework.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- "Speaking analogically about God": This phrase directly applies the concept of the doctrine of analogy in discourse.
- When we say "God is just," we are necessarily speaking analogically about God, as divine justice infinitely surpasses human understanding.
Noun
-
the religious belief that between creature and creator no similarity can be found so great but that the dissimilarity is always greater; any analogy between God and humans will always be inadequate
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