Orthodox Approach towards the Unknowability of God

Subject Areas : Christianity

Mohammad  Modabber chaharborj ¹ (مربی، گروه فقه و حقوق اسلامی، دانشگاه ارومیه)
Elias  Arefzadeh ² (Assistant Professor , Faculty of Religions, University of Religions and Denominations. Qom, Iran.)

Received: 2021-04-24 Accepted : 2021-04-24 Published : 2021-02-19

Keywords: Orthodox Theology, Unknowability of God, Orthodox Trinity, Apophatic Theology, Energy of God,

Abstract :

The Orthodox Church, presenting itself as the extension of early Christianity’s Orthodoxy, has created a distinctive theology system based on early doctrines of God. Comprehending this Church and its theology without having a true perception of its special doctrine of God is not feasible. This doctrine is mainly based on Orthodox Church’s special approach toward “unknowability of God”. This approach is the key term to a true perception of this Church which can be traced back to “Father” ’s distinguished role in Orthodox Trinity. Speaking in negative language is regarded as an integral part of this doctrine which is based on Transcendence and Unknowability of God. Therefore, Orthodox Church is characterized by Apophatic Theology. In the next step, to fill the gap between creatures and such a Transcendence and Unknowable Being, “Energy Concept” has been proposed by this church. Energy is the revealed or perceptible form of Transcendent God. Orthodox believers try to unite with Energy of God to obtain the Deification status which is considered as ultimate purpose of life. Sacraments and Icons are primary passages of Holy Energy. This study aims to investigate Orthodox approach regarding the “Unknowability of God” in three stages of Roots, Language and Consequence.

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