Kataphatic vs Apophatic Theology

Had an interesting discussion last week that gave voice to some of the inner debates that I have had over the last few years. We were discussing a video of pastor named Brian McClaren who was describing the difference between Kataphatic and Apophatic theology. Here is a snippet:

He went on to say that leaning too much one way or the other can lead to building up theological walls that prevent faith from growing.

On one side, there is the danger of saying -- this is what God is like -- and you can grow defensive about your beliefs and put God in a box. On the other side, there is a danger of saying -- God is beyond comprehension or experience -- and God becomes a theoretical, hypothetical conversation. Churches I have visited usually fall on one side or the other. "Conservative" churches seem to often put God in a box, while "Liberal" churches seem to wishy washy and theoretical. I have had a discomfort with both views and find myself pushing back.

Brian concludes his talk by describing faith as a boat. The theology, our beliefs, as planks in the boat. As we learn about God and experience God, we add planks to the boat. But the boat is not important. It is the journey. God is the sky above, the water below and the wind that fills our sails.

I think the mature Christian struggles to stay between these two views. Having a firm grasp on who God is while realizing that God is beyond our grasp.