Next to Nothing: A Theology from Outside - Paperback

by James Champion (Author)

A lesser-known tradition in theology--the apophatic--has resurfaced in our time. Simply stated, this tradition has long recognized that discussion of what God is not is central to theological discernment. The apophatic emphasis on giving the negative its due has been rediscovered and enlarged today in several ways. Above all, this theological orientation warrants our radical questioning and honors the importance of doubt. It also leads us to greater awareness of our hidden fears of loss and of the costs of our unconscious flight from death. At the same time, it can open the door to new perceptions of what lay persons--as well as theologians such as Eckhart and Tillich--have understood as our deepest relationship to the God beyond God. This development is significant for those in progressive faith communities, for those who call themselves "spiritual but not religious," and those who assume that religion and spirituality have no place in their lives.

Author Biography

James Champion holds a doctorate in religion and literature from Emory University. He has taught humanities, English, and religious studies courses at Emory, Valparaiso University, Simon Fraser University, Seattle Pacific University, and Inver Hills Community College. He has published articles on interpretation theory, parables, Paul Ricoeur, Paul Tillich, Herman Melville, George Eliot, Denise Levertov, and Denis Johnson. He lives in Minneapolis.