KATAPHATIC (CATAPHATIC) SPIRITUALITY:
The use of the senses, and/or physical aids such as rosaries, stations of the cross, crèche, art, images, music, bells, incense, etc. to elevate one’s mind to God. It acknowledges that we can know a great deal about God through Christ’s self-revelation and the instruction of the Holy Spirit. Also known as the via positiva or the way of ascent, it is sometimes called positive theology.
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Art for this post kataphatic (cataphatic) spirituality: Christ Carrying the Cross, El Greco, 1580s, PD-US author’s life plus 100 years or less, Wikimedia Commons.
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What is spiritual direction and my spiritual direction? What are my “blind spots” and how can I uncover them? What keeps me from all the spiritual riches Christ has for me? How can I better understand where I am in my spiritual progress?
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Ralph Martin, PhD, president, Renewal Ministries and author of ‘The Fulfillment of All Desire’
