Original Research

The incomprehensibility of God: Reciprocal interdependence between mystery and knowledge

Dirk G. Van der Merwe
Verbum et Ecclesia | Vol 45, No 1 | a3227 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v45i1.3227 | © 2024 Dirk G. van der Merwe | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 25 June 2024 | Published: 04 October 2024

About the author(s)

Dirk G. Van der Merwe, The Unit for Reformational Theology and the Development of the South African Society, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

Abstract

This research investigates the theological concept, ‘The incomprehensibility of God’, from a Johannine perspective. The primary objective is to discern the ‘incomprehensibility of God’ from a reciprocal interdependence between knowledge (understanding) and mystery. It explains how the endeavour to understand the divine, continuously prompts mystery. Humans can only know, communicate with, relate to and talk about God, in terms of human perspectives and conventions within the human idiom. Therefore, the modus operandi starts with an articulation of how this dualism (knowledge versus mystery) relates and should be interpreted. This is followed by a discourse analysis of the Johannine prologue to point out various semantic networks to facilitate dualistic reasoning in this research. Thereafter, the incomprehensibility of God is discerned from the following four perspectives: the ‘identity’, ‘articulation’, ‘activities’ and ‘involvement’ of God in God’s creation as formulated according to the Prologue of the Gospel of John. Finally, the investigation of and contemplation on the incomprehensibility of God becoming a spiritual, cognitive and discerning never-ending event.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The contribution of this research endeavours to point out that, when believers meditate about God, examine scripture, experience and worship God in everyday life, the proximity and tension between knowledge, experience and mystery about God will always be present, evident, experienced and will continue to evolve.


Keywords

incomprehensibility of God; knowledgeable; experience; mystery; interdependent; new enquiries; never-ending-venture

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

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