020055 SE Theology & Phenomenology (2013W)

After a century of outright dismissal and rejection of theology in phenomenological circles (and much of contemporary philosophy as well), a new debate has emerged as to its relevance and importance for phenomenology. Similarly, the last 15 years has yielded the so-called "Return to Religion" in "continental" philosophy, especially in France and in the U.S. This "return" has led us to the question of the relationship between theology and philosophy, leading us to once again ask, with a new energy, Turtullian's age-old question: "What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?"

It is still not clear as to whether or not we should reject or accept this "Theological Turn" in phenomenology and French Philosophy. There is a group of rogue phenomenologists in France who in recent years have been accused of "smuggling" theology into phenomenology, thus breaking the rules of phenomenology (and philosophy, for that matter). What is at stake in this debate is the future of theological discourse in and with philosopy, not only in France, but anywhere French thinkers have and will continue to have an important influence, including the U.S.

Their work, and this debate, have both led to two important questions, which we will consider in this course: Can phenomenology reveal Theological truths, perhaps even in ways that Theology cannot or has not? And secondly, can theology actually inform phenomenology? We will consider these questions together, as we proceed through the works of the movement’s most essential thinkers, such as Jean-Luc Marion, Michel Henry, Jean-Louis Chrétien, and Jean-Luc Nancy, along with some background reading in Heidegger, and Paul Ricoeur. We will also consider matters such as the relationship between philosophy and religion, the relevance of Postmodernism, and also how these thinkers have phenomenologically considered themes like liturgy, prayer, the sacraments, and "love".

This course will act as an introduction to these topics, so no prior training in phenomenology or French philosophy is necessary.