Heidegger, scholasticism, and three models of theology

The article discusses the significance of Tradition for modernity, because the contemporary times persistently attempt to question or outright reject the theological tradition as unnecessary baggage that obstructs understanding and contains hidden repressive mechanisms. But is this really the case? Are tradition and tradition obsolete and no longer needed? There are some reasons to doubt this. Identified are three ontological models (univocation, equivocation, analogy) that are implicitly or explicitly present in contemporary theology. Drawing on J. Milbank’s ideas, it is demonstrated how the univocation of being introduced by Duns Scotus transforms theology and metaphysics, leading to the emergence of secularization and nihilism. It is precisely the univocal understanding of being that leads Martin Heidegger to the concept of ontotheology and provides him with grounds to criticize Christianity. The ontological models of Martin Heidegger, Karl Barth, and Emmanuel Levinas are compared, showing some theological consequences they entail. In conclusion, it is suggested that these three models should be supplemented with a fourth one associated with the name of St. Gregory Palamas.