A Violent God-Image: An Introduction to the Work of Eugen Drewermann

(Paperback)

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Theologian and psychotherapist Eugen Drewermann has been the most significant, prolific and bestselling theological writer in the German language over the past quarter century. Drewermann shows that religion, including Christianity, turns violent mentally, spiritually, and even physically if it uses fear as a motive for faith fear of exclusion from the group, fear of hell and fear of God. This is the first full-length introduction to Drewermann in English.

'Powerful... a profoundly more human cast to otherwise abstract theological propositions... almost revolutionary in its apertura to new and refreshing vistas in thinking about basic theological issues.' W. W. Meissner, S.J., M.D. in Horizons

Reviews

"Eugen Drewermann, a German Scholar, whose difficult but very profound work has been a sensation in Europe but which has been slow to arrive on the American intellectual scene, has been compared to the French philosopher Rene Girard, whose theories on the nature and causes of violence have influenced nearly every field of the humanities. Drewemann's thought, which also deals with the most important issues of our time, violence and it's relation to religion, is finally made accessible to American readers by Matthias Beier in his book, A Violent God Image: An Introduction to the Work of Eugen Drewermann published by Continuum in 2004. Beier draws from his encyclopedic knowledge of Drewermann's work in biblical studies, theology, depth psychology, existential philosophy and pastoral practice to present the synthesis of Drewermann's thought on the subject of Genesis and Christianity's violent God-image and how that God image functions as a cause and legitimation of personal pathology, social violence, war and destruction of nature. Beier's synthesis is scrupulously faithful to Drewermann's thought and includes extensive translations from original text. This is a deeply thought-provoking book which challenged our understanding of original sin, the crucifixion of Jesus, church authority and the political and cultural givens which control so much of our thought and behavior in society and church." -Professor Sandra Schneiders, Graduate Theological Union
'Beier has done us a very great favor in opening the door upon the work of Drewermann so well and wisely, for American scholars and interested, informed laypersons as well. This work is essential reading for every biblical scholar, every psychologist, particularly psychologists of religion, and professionals in the field of theology, ethics, and pastoral care. See your bed and buy this book!' -Journal of Psychology and Christianity * Journal of Psychology and Christianity *

Author Bio

Matthias Beier is coordinator of the Doctor of Ministry Program in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Drew Theological School and has a private psychoanalytic practice in New York City. He teaches at both Drew and Fordham Universities.