And What is a Merciful Heart?

Abstract

The negative way, especially as epitomized in the writings of Pseudo-Dionysius, is explored as providing a theological context in which universal compassion can be generated. The way of negation both withholds attributes from God and undermines the structures of dualistic thinking itself. By making relative our ideas about God, negation challenges the grounds on which we construct oppositions among human beings. More profoundly, negation deploys language to move into an awareness of the essenceless mystery of divinity. As we enter into this mystery more deeply we become better prepared to participate in the radical love at its center.