종교의 언어관: 종교언어연구의 기본 전제

Abstract

This study aims to examine the attitude of a religious group toward the problem of whether or not an ordinary language can describe God's attributes without distortion and without falling into the fallacy of anthropomorphism. In other words, this study is to investigate how the attitude of a religious group toward the problem of whether or not a linguistic expression has the same meaning when it is applied to mundane things as when it is applied to God or Godly things affects their language use, their religious life, their doctrinal system, etc. The univocal method of interpretation, which supports the attitude that a linguistic expression has entirely different meanings in the two cases, leads to the conclusion that an ordinary language cannot describe God (or God's attributes) as He is (or as they are) without distortion. This attitude inevitably fosters the development of such a way of communication as Zen dialog which refrains from the use of language as much as possible. The equivocal attitude which maintains that the meaning of a linguistic expression is basically equivalent in the two cases pays attention to the insufficiency of an ordinary language and seeks to increase its expressive power by use of figurative speeches including metaphor. Lao-tzu takes this approach in Tao Te Ching. Although the equivocal attitude seems to be most effective, it is apt to end in anthropomorphism. Two ways of avoiding the fallacy of anthropomorphism while maintaining the equivocal attitude are explored: analogy and assuming a specific language as sacred. In particular, the phenomenon of glossolalia is discussed in depth as an example of sacred language. Additionally, taking a different viewpoint, the relation of Quakerism to the aspects of their language use is investigated to show how religious beliefs and precepts affect the aspects of language use in real life.