What is cataphatic theology?

Cataphatic theology, also known as positive theology, is a way of understanding God by affirming what can be said about Him. Unlike apophatic theology, which focuses on what cannot be said about God, cataphatic theology articulates God’s nature through positive statements based on revelation, reason, and experience. God reveals Himself in ways that can be known and described, providing believers a means to grow in knowing, understanding, and loving Him.

Cataphatic theology begins with the premise that God has made Himself known to humanity. God is not a distant, unknowable force but a personal being who desires to be known by His creation. In Romans 1:20, Paul writes, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (NKJV). God’s attributes can be positively known through His creation, laying a foundation for cataphatic theology.

Scripture describes God as holy: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3, NKJV). This declaration affirms God’s holiness and glory, which are manifest throughout creation.

Similarly, God’s love is a central theme in Scripture, providing further support for cataphatic theology. In 1 John 4:8, we read, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (NKJV). Cataphatic theology looks at 1 John 4:8 as a positive assertion about God’s nature and thereby affirms that love is central to God’s very being.

The Bible, as the primary source of special revelation, presents a comprehensive and detailed portrait of God and how He interacts with His creation. The opening verse of Scripture sets the stage for cataphatic theology: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1, NKJV). This simple yet profound statement affirms God as the Creator and source of all that exists.

Cataphatic theology points out that God reveals much about Himself through His various names and titles. For example, in Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (NKJV), affirming His self-existence and eternality. This revelation is foundational to understanding God’s nature, declaring His independence from creation and His unchanging character.

Jesus Christ is God’s ultimate revelation, providing the clearest picture of who God is. In John 14:9, Jesus says, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (NKJV), affirming the unity between the Father and the Son and offering a positive statement about God’s nature as revealed in Christ. Through Jesus, believers can affirm God’s love, mercy, and justice, as these attributes are perfectly embodied in Him.

A key aspect of cataphatic theology is the affirmation of God’s attributes. The Bible offers numerous descriptions of God’s nature, each contributing to a fuller understanding of who He is. For instance, God is described as omnipotent: “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37, NKJV). This affirmation of God’s power reassures believers of His ability to accomplish His purposes.

God’s omniscience is another attribute affirmed in Scripture: “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5, NKJV). This verse positively affirms God’s power and His infinite wisdom and knowledge, highlighting His ability to comprehend all things.

God’s goodness is also a central affirmation in cataphatic theology. In Psalm 34:8, the psalmist invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (NKJV). This positive statement about God’s goodness encourages believers to experience His benevolence personally, reinforcing that God’s attributes can be known and affirmed through a relationship with Him.

Cataphatic theology has significant practical implications for our lives. By affirming what can be known about God, we can worship Him more fully and live according to His revealed will. God’s holiness leads to a greater reverence for Him and a desire to live a life that reflects His purity. Affirming God’s love compels believers to love others, as expressed in 1 John 4:19: “We love Him because He first loved us” (NKJV).

Moreover, cataphatic theology provides a basis for theological reflection and doctrinal development. The church can build a coherent and robust theology that guides its teaching, worship, and mission by affirming the truths revealed in Scripture. The creeds and confessions affirm God’s nature and attributes and are rooted in the principles of cataphatic theology.