Natal and Nihilistic Theological Foundations

Abstract

The abyss is one of the main metaphors of the postmodern condition, and is often used to depict the dissolution of values and foundations. The chapter argues that Tillich’s mystical tradition of the abyss has important epistemological insights to offer to contemporary theologies, which can offer a third way between the deadlocks of theological foundations versus nihilistic relativism. The chapter proposes four methodological lenses from the Christian mystical tradition (kataphatic, affective, speculative, and apophatic language) to search for ways to express theologically the praxis of living close to the abyss, being attracted to the natal, and fearing the deep. This enterprise is presented as a feminist theological praxis, to emphasize the importance of gender analysis and difference in probing the foundations of theology.