Which thinker criticized the via negativa by suggesting that it risks severing the connection between humanity and God?

The thinker who criticized the via negativa by suggesting that it risks severing the connection between humanity and God is William Inge. The via negativa, or "negative way," is a theological approach that attempts to describe God by stating what God is not, rather than by defining what God is. Inge argued that this method can lead to a form of abstraction that distances God from human experience and understanding. He emphasized that while it is important to acknowledge the limitations of human language when speaking about the divine, completely negating God's attributes might create a barrier that prevents individuals from truly engaging with the divine.

In contrast, thinkers like Hick, Davies, and Tillich have their own views on the nature of God and the limitations of human understanding, often addressing the problem in different ways or developing alternative approaches. Overall, Inge's critique highlights a significant concern about human access to and relationship with the divine when relying solely on the via negativa.