Dr. J. Glenn Friesen

Studies relating to Herman Dooyeweerd Linked Glossary of Terms

© J. Glenn Friesen 2003.

Linked Glossary of Terms
(references to De Wijsbegeerte der Wetsidee, unless indicated.See concordance for correlation with pages in the New Critique. The concordance is in pdf format.)

This is not a term used by Dooyeweerd. Baader uses it to express the temptation of theory. I believe that Dooyeweerd does have a view of theory as possible temptation. I also believe that this temptation is the source of the impairment to our pre-theoretical experience that Dooyeweerd says may be caused by theory (NC, III, 145).

Baader specifically refers to theory as a temptation [Versuchung] (Zeit, 27). Our freedom to be mediators for the temporal world can be used in two ways–either for or against God. Whatever we set free will continue to have either a liberating or a binding action (Elementarbegriffe, 544, 558). Thus, our theory can be used improperly. We can use our powers in an unlawful way, in order to hold inside ourselves what should remain outside (Zeit, 44 ft 25). We can give ourselves over entirely to the temporal. But the temporal world will then empty us like a bloodsucker, or a "heart-sucker" (Herzsauger). Such a person ends up believing himself or herself to be as empty as the world (Zeit, 41 ft. 21; Werke, II, 89; Weltalter, 385).

I believe that this is what Baader means by "loss of Self." Dooyeweerd speaks of a loss of our true selfhood in the fall (I, vi, 31).

Although theory is a temptation, overcoming the temptation leads to a greater unity, and builds our character. A restored love is deeper than an untested love (Betanzos, 125).