Meaning: The quote "God is best known in not knowing him" is attributed to Saint Augustine, a Christian theologian and philosopher who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries. This enigmatic statement encapsulates a profound aspect of the Christian faith and has been the subject of much contemplation and interpretation throughout the centuries.

At first glance, the quote may seem paradoxical or ambiguous. How can one claim to know God by not knowing Him? However, when examined in the context of Saint Augustine's broader theological and philosophical teachings, the meaning becomes clearer.

In his seminal work "Confessions," Augustine grapples with the nature of God and the limitations of human understanding. He emphasizes the transcendent and incomprehensible nature of God, suggesting that the finite human mind is incapable of fully grasping the infinite and boundless essence of the divine. In this context, "not knowing" God does not refer to ignorance or lack of knowledge, but rather to the recognition of the limitations of human understanding when it comes to the divine.

This concept is deeply rooted in the tradition of apophatic theology, also known as "negative theology," which posits that God can only be described in terms of what He is not, rather than what He is. This approach acknowledges the ineffable and mysterious nature of God, emphasizing that human language and concepts are inherently inadequate to capture the fullness of the divine reality.

Furthermore, Augustine's quote can be understood in light of the Christian doctrine of faith. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:12, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." This passage reflects the idea that human knowledge of God is incomplete and imperfect in this life, but will be fully realized in the afterlife. Therefore, "not knowing" God in the present earthly existence is a recognition of the ongoing journey of faith and the ultimate hope for a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God in the future.

From a practical perspective, the quote can also be interpreted as a call to humility and openness to the mystery of God. Rather than claiming to possess absolute knowledge or understanding of the divine, it encourages a posture of receptivity and awe in the face of the transcendent. In this sense, "knowing" God is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a transformative and relational encounter that transcends human comprehension.

In summary, Saint Augustine's quote "God is best known in not knowing him" encapsulates profound theological insights about the nature of God, the limitations of human understanding, the role of faith, and the call to humility in the Christian tradition. It invites believers to embrace the mystery of the divine, to approach God with reverence and awe, and to recognize the ongoing journey of faith as a pathway to deeper knowledge and communion with the transcendent.