Le détachement paradoxal en la Présence de l’Infini

Abstract

The Presence of the Infinite in human existence may be considered as mystery. If so, then believers endorse three a priori. Firstly, human person, as finite, has the intuition of the Infinite that opens the way to an existential positioning in front of the Infinite. Secondly, the intuition of the Infinite gives birth to an idea of the Infinite, and eventually to the desire of the Infinite (the desire to be United with such Infinite). Thirdly, the idea of the Infinite allows believers to develop a fragmentary understanding of the ultimate ground for being and existence. The Infinite is thus unknowable by human (finite) beings. Being in the Presence of the Infinite then becomes a paradox that requires detachment. Being detached is being absolutely centered on God rather than any other existential concern. It requires two basic modes of detachment : the detachment from language and conceptual knowledge, on one hand, and the detachment of the self in relation with the Infinite, on the other hand. Being attached is considering God as a being who is alongside innumerable beings. Detachment rather allows believers to avoid the interpretative trap of the objectification of God.