What is the via negativa and how does it relate to religious language?

What is the via negativa and how does it relate to religious language?

The via negativa, also known as the negative way or apophatic theology, is an approach in religious language that emphasizes describing God or the divine by negating or denying human attributes or concepts. It suggests that human language and concepts are limited and inadequate to fully capture the nature of God, who is believed to be beyond human comprehension. Instead of making positive assertions about God, the via negativa focuses on what God is not, using terms such as "unknowable," "infinite," or "beyond human understanding." This approach acknowledges the limitations of human language and attempts to approach the divine through negation and silence.