Epistemology of the Orthodox theology of postmodern era

• Main Author: Volodymyr Grytsyshyn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ukrainian Center for Cultural Studies 2016-08-01
• Series: Cхід
• Subjects: православ'я; теологія; феноменологія спілкування; екзистенція
• Online Access: http://skhid.kubg.edu.ua/article/view/74843

The article is an analysis in key of religious studies of epistemology of Orthodox theology postmodern era. Analysis of epistemological doctrines of representatives of the Orthodox theology of the XXI century is especially relevant today because it is theological epistemology defines the nature of anthropology, ontology and systematic theology. Orthodox thinkers of the postmodern era are trying to create the phenomenology of communication with God as a personal reality. This greatly depends on the phenomenology of modern philosophy and theology, especially - from the theological works of French philosopher Jean-Luc Marion. Epistemology of the Orthodox theology of postmodern era is emerging, experiencing the transformation of complex mystical empiricism to hermeneutics of mystical experiences. Orthodox theologian A.Papanikolaou believes that truth is an event in communication. Man has true knowledge in the act of communion with God only insofar as it is involved in the inner life of God. A.Papanikolaou believes that knowledge of God in the act of communication exists only Trinity, which also involved person or Eucharistic community. If the act of communication according J.Zizioulas provides mutual ecstasy, going beyond its own existence to God and man, then according A.Papanikolaou God and man is always in communication, and the knowledge of God it is only when this communication becomes closer and more conscious. And man is in communion with God even outside the Eucharistic experience as always is in God as limited in infinite. J.P.Manoussakis stresses that the structure of the individual sensory overrides rational, passive-affective experiences influence more important than rational and volitional acts. Sensual experience with the most individual evidence. J.P.Manoussakis boldly puts forward the thesis: God exists if there is a sensual experience feelings meet with him. Originality views D.Hart that according to him the most unlimited line between God and man is infinitely call of God to man. Awareness abyss between God and man, revealing to man groundlessness its existence, is the beginning of knowledge human dignity.