God and Emptiness: An Experimental Essay

Abstract

The topic of this paper is Christian view of reality. It is important to recognize from outset that is not a common Christian technical phrase with a long tradition of meaning (though, due to Paul Tillich's influence, it has gained some currency in recent years), but rather a term our group has agreed is open enough to allow for Christian and Buddhist comparisons of that which is highest or most important or most central to each of these traditions. There is room for some argument, then, as to just what might be taken as for Christian tradition. Some scholars might wish to hold that it is concept of that should be explored here, since in Western traditions all other realities are often said to presuppose as foundation on which they rest and in which they participate. Even has been understood in certain main lines of tradition as pure or being itself. An argument could be made for such a move toward a metaphysical paper, but I do not choose to go that way here. I shall instead treat symbol God as that which names in Western religious traditions, and I will devote my paper to this symbol. is, after all, in most Christian traditions, considered to be the Maker of Heaven and Earth, Creator of all things both and invisible. Traditionally, therefore, reality of every sort (whether visible or invisible) has been taken to have its origin and foundation in God: is understood to be source of all value and meaning and truth as well as all being. In this respect, is the ultimate point of reference (as I like to put it) for all reality, all reflection, all meditation, all devotion. It is surely legitimate to regard as that to which phrase can most properly refer in Christian scheme of symbols. In any case, I shall proceed on that premise. We shall be concerned, then, with Christian view of God. But once again, it is necessary to make qualifications immediately. For can one justifiably speak of Christian view of God? I do not think so. There have been many different conceptions of advocated in course of Christian history-conceptions that are by no means entirely consistent with each other. Even though there are usually family resemblances among these different views, their practical effects in religious life and practice may often be quite diverse. One