Teologia negatywna w pismach „Corpus Areopagiticum”

Abstract

In this article we would like to bring forward an understanding of apophatic theology which is to be found in treaties written by Denys the Aeropagite. There exists at present a great deal of wrintings about original author of those treaties and about the meaning of apophatic theology. However, what has not been done, in our opinion is to see the problem in the light of the theory of being. It is the method of research suggested by Etienne Gilson. Therefore, we want to show how Denys the Aeropagite tries to use platonic theory of being in Christian theology. It is hardly possible to combine the Christian dogma of the Trinity with the platonic One without changing the dogma. As interesting as it is, we however find the Theory of God to be more platonic than Christian. As the result of such assimilation Christian God becomes absolutely incomprehensible and negative way of describing Him becomes the best. There is the difference between God being understood as a One above being and God who is a supreme being. From those conceptions of God depends the way of understanding of negative theology. This leads to the conclusion that there are two different negative theologies. First, simply negative theology describing God as a supreme being which gives us negative attributes of Him. Second, apophatic theology describing “God-One” beyond being, which gives us no attributes of God. The first one gives us knowledge about God and describes some aspects of God’s being. The second one gives us no knowledge about God, but helps to identify God-One and helps us to join with God in contemplation.