Jean-Luc Nancy after the Theological Turn: A Phenomenology of Kenosis

(Hardback)

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A novel and profound reading of Jean-Luc Nancys deconstruction of Christianity in the context of French phenomenologys theological turn, this is an important contribution to continental philosophy of religion.

Deftly exploring Nancys work alongside major twentieth-century philosophers of religion including Jean-Luc Marion, Michel Henry, Jean-Louis Chrtien and Emmanuel Falque, Jean-Luc Nancy after the Theological Turn argues that only by turning to theology can phenomenology come into its own as philosophy. Following Derridas treatment of Nancy, Nikolaas Cassidy-Deketelaere thinks after the theological turn by deconstructing phenomenologys inherent theological structure which made that turn possible: starting from the theological turn phenomenology was structurally inclined to produce, this book seeks to move beyond it (i.e., to de-theologise phenomenology). This parallels Nancys engagement with Christianity: drawing on Pauls kenosisaccording to which God empties himself of his divinity in the Incarnationhe understands Christianity as deconstructing or de-theologising itself.

Written in elegant and clear prose, in elaborating Nancys little-discussed writing on Christianity this volume clarifies the philosophical project of one of the most influential contemporary thinkers. Cassidy-Deketelaere persuasively establishes the radical significance of theology for phenomenology and explains the consequences of that relationship for the recent history of contemporary philosophy.

Author Bio

Nikolaas Cassidy-Deketelaere is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at KU Leuven, Belgium, and Visiting Professor at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, Belgium.