Meaning: This quote by Nicholas Mosley, a renowned novelist, delves into the complexities of defining the nature of God. It touches upon a theological concept that has been pondered and debated by scholars, philosophers, and theologians for centuries. The idea that one can more readily articulate what God is not, as opposed to easily defining what He is, reflects the inherent difficulty in capturing the essence of the divine.

At the heart of this quote is the notion of apophatic theology, also known as negative theology. This theological approach emphasizes the ineffability and transcendence of God, suggesting that human language and understanding are limited when it comes to defining the divine. Instead of attempting to describe God in positive terms, apophatic theology focuses on negating human attributes and concepts that are inherently inadequate when applied to the divine.

The concept of negation in relation to God's nature can be traced back to early Christian theologians such as Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite and St. Augustine, as well as to ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Plotinus. These thinkers grappled with the challenge of articulating the nature of God, recognizing the limitations of human language and cognition when it comes to comprehending the infinite and transcendent.

In essence, the quote suggests that while it may be possible to articulate certain aspects of what God is not – for example, limited, mortal, or finite – attempting to encapsulate the fullness of God's being in positive terms is a far more daunting task. This aligns with the apophatic tradition, which emphasizes the ineffable and mysterious nature of God, beyond the grasp of human comprehension.

The quote also alludes to the inherent paradox involved in attempting to define the indefinable. The very act of trying to articulate what God is not, while simultaneously acknowledging the limitations of such efforts, underscores the enigmatic nature of the divine. This paradoxical tension is a central theme in apophatic theology, as it grapples with the inherent limitations of human understanding in relation to the infinite and transcendent nature of God.

Furthermore, this quote invites contemplation on the nature of language and its capacity to convey the divine. It suggests that the limitations of language and human cognition necessitate a humble approach to discussing the divine, recognizing that our words and concepts can only offer glimpses or pointers towards the ultimate reality of God.

In conclusion, Nicholas Mosley's quote encapsulates the profound theological concept of apophatic theology, which emphasizes the ineffability of God and the limitations of human language and understanding when it comes to defining the divine. It invites contemplation on the inherent challenges of articulating the nature of God, while acknowledging the paradoxical tension involved in attempting to describe the indefinable. This quote serves as a thought-provoking entry point into the rich tradition of apophatic theology and the ongoing quest to grapple with the mystery of the divine.