Via Negativa
Via negativa is the theological method of approaching God only by denying descriptions, on the grounds that no positive statement can be accurate.
Full definition of Via Negativa →:: COMPARE ::
Via negativavsCataphatic
The short answer
Cataphatic theology builds up names for God; apophatic theology strips them. In Pseudo-Dionysius the two are stages of one movement rather than rival camps — you affirm in order to have something to negate, which is why the tradition isn't simply anti-language.
Side by side
| Aspect | Via negativa | Cataphatic |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Denial | Affirmation |
| Says God is | Not this | Good, wise, one |
| Endpoint | Silence | Praise |
| Relationship | Two stages of one movement | Two stages of one movement |
What each one means
Cataphatic
The contrast above sets out how Cataphatic differs from Via Negativa on the points that actually matter.