Transcendence and Revelation: from Phenomenology to Theology
Transcendence and Revelation: from Phenomenology to Theology

Summary/Abstract: Thinking on transcendence falls into a paradox: if transcendence is a radical one, we cannot speak about it; if we speak about it, it is no longer radical. The aim of this paper is to overcome this paradox and to analyze the concept of transcendence considering (1) the dynamic of self-transcending that is natural to man, (2) the limit beyond which one can speak about transcendence, and (3) the phenomena of mystery whereby the transcendence appears. Inasmuch as transcendence does not escape from the suspicion that the movement of self-transcending postulates it according to its desires and reaches Kantian “transcendental appearance,” this text tries to delineate the possible phenomenon of the maximum manifestation of transcendence in this world: how could transcendence give itself? The answer engages the revelation, namely, transcendence’s intention of donating itself, the presence of paradox, and the solution of mediation between transcendence and immanence by transcendence itself. Each of these possible solutions has examples in Christian Orthodox theology.

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