The Postmodern God: A Theological Reader

Arguing for a new direction in postmodern theological thinking, away from the liberalism and nihilism of those who name themselves postmodern theologians, the book collects together for the first time important examples of the work of continental critical theorists relevant to the study of theology or religious studies. Each essay or excerpt is selected, edited and introduced by a leading exponent of that person′s work, an exponent who is also a leading figure in contemporary theological debate.

The Postmodern God introduces students and researchers to contemporary thought and how it could affect tomorrow′s theology. In addition, the Reader offers examples of the work currently being done in theology and ethics which engages with contemporary critical theory. The material in this section treats some of the major themes of this new critical theology – the reappraisal of liturgy, theologies of the city, feminism and religious discourse, postmodern ethics, radical hermeneutics and theology beyond metaphysics.

Notes on Contributors.

Acknowledgements.

Introduction or, A Guide to Theological Thinking in Cyberspace: Graham Ward.

Part I: Selected Texts:.

1. Georges Bataille (1897–1962): Introduction.

Bataille Text: From Theory of Religion: Craig James (University of Cambridge).

2. Jacques Lacan (1901–1981): Introduction.

Text: The Death of God: Cleo McNelly Kearns (Rutgers University and New Brunswick Theological Seminary).

3. Emmanuel Levinas (1906–1995): Introduction.

Text: God and Philosophy: Robert Gibbs (University of Toronto).

4. Roland Barthes (1915–1980): Introduction.

Text: Wrestling with the Angel: Textual Analysis of Genesis 32: Valentine Cunningham (Oxford University).

5. René Girard (b.1923): Introduction.

Text: The God of Victims: Gerard Loughlin (University of Newcastle–Upon–Tyne).

6. Michel Foucault (1926–1984): Introduction.

Text: From The History of Sexuality:Mary McClintock Fulkerson and Susan J. Dunlop (Both Duke Divinity School, North Carolina USA).

7. Michel de Certeau (1925–1986): Introduction.

Text : How is Christianity Thinkable Today? and White Ecstasy: Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt (Loyola University, Baltimore USA).

8. Jacques Derrida (b.1930): Introduction.

Text: From How to Avoid Speaking: Kevin Hart (Monash University).

9. Luce Irigaray (b.1930): Introduction.

Text: Equal to Whom?: Grace M. Jantzen (University of Manchester).

10. Julie Kristeva (b.1941): Introduction.

Text: From In the Beginning was Love: Pamela Sue Anderson (University of Sunderland).

Part II: Selected Essays: .

11. From Patriarchy into Freedom: A Conversation between American Feminist Theology and French Feminism: Rebecca S. Chopp (Emory University, Georgis USA).

12. Liturgy and Kenosis, from Expérience et Absolu: Jean–Yves Lacoste.

13. Postmodern Critial Augustinianism: A Short Summa in Forth–two Responses to Unasked Questions: John Milbank (Peterhouse, Cambridge).

14. Metaphysics and Phenomenology: A Summary for Theologians: Jean–Luc Marion (University of Paris X Nanterre).

15. Asyndeton: Syntax and Insanity. A Study of the Revision of Nicene Creed: Catherine Pickstock (Emmanuel College, Cambridge).

16. New Jerusalem, Old Athens, from The Broken Middle: Gillian Rose (late of the University of Warwick).

17. Saintliness and Some Aporias of Postmodernism, from Saints and Postmodernism: Edith Wyschogrod (Queens College, City University of New York).

Index.

The Revd. Dr. Graham Ward currently teaches at The Centre for Religion, Culture and Gender, Manchester University. Prior to this he was Dean at Peterhouse, Cambridge University.

"Its theses are destined to be the subject of much discussion and have already generated comment in scholarly journals." Tracey Rowland, Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge

"This book, skilfully edited and introduced by Graham Ward, provides a framework for those who want to explore how theology might benefit from a critical engagement with postmodernism." Richard Arrandale, Canterbury Christ Church College

"We are much indebted to the editor and publisher for this volume which will prove helpful to a wide variety of readers." Merold Westphal, Fordham University in Philosophia Christi