Ep. 123 Interacting with John Caputo at the intersection Radical Theology and Christian Universalism
Jun 28, 2023
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David Artman interviews John Caputo, a professor of religion and philosophy, about the intersection of radical theology and Christian universalism. They discuss the differences between confessional and radical theology, the concept of Christian universalism, and the potential offense it may cause. The speakers explore different perspectives on the nature of God, theological viewpoints, and the importance of civil discourse in discussing religion.
Radical theology challenges confessional authority and traditions, asking dissident and scandalous questions about religion and faith.
God as a ground to be and faith as a fundamental orientation of the heart transcend confessional beliefs, emphasizing the importance of questioning supernaturalism and metaphysical positions in understanding ultimate concerns.
Love is self-sufficient and does not need validation from an eternal being or framework, advocating for a perspective that frees love from larger frameworks.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Radical Theology and Christian Universalism
This podcast episode explores the intersection of radical theology and Christian universalism. The speaker discusses how radical theology challenges confessional authority and traditions, aiming to ask dissident and scandalous questions about religion and faith. As a Christian universalist, the speaker finds resonance with the rejection of the doctrine of eternal separation between the saved and damned. Both the speaker and the guest discuss feeling unwelcome in traditional church settings and finding more acceptance in non-confessional institutions. They also touch on the importance of love, justice, and the reign of God in their respective perspectives.
The Middle Ground of Radical Theology
A key concept in radical theology is the idea of God as a ground to be and faith as a fundamental orientation of the heart, transcending confessional beliefs and debates over orthodoxy and heresy. The guest speaker suggests that Paul Tillich's notion of God and faith as a bridge between confessional theology and radical theology can be used as a middle ground. They emphasize the importance of questioning supernaturalism and the need for metaphysical positions in understanding ultimate concerns.
Different Interpretations of Christ and Universal Salvation
The conversation delves into the interpretation of Christ as a symbol and a theo-theopoetic reality, rather than a universal savior tied to a particular historical and cultural tradition. The guest speaker highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting multiple religious traditions, questioning the idea that one tradition holds all the ultimate truth. They discuss the tension between Christian universalism and mainstream Christian settings, as the belief in the ultimate salvation of all can be seen as controversial, both in conservative and progressive Christian circles.
Love stands on its own
The podcast explores the idea that love does not need validation from an eternal being or framework. Love is self-sufficient and stands on its own. The speakers discuss the counter positional hypothesis called Resignacio in Farrandome, which challenges the notion that love must be validated by an external source. They highlight that love is not dependent on an eternal reward or punishment and should not be bound by any larger framework.
Theopoetics and the sphere of hope
The podcast delves into the concept of theopoetics as an alternative to strictly rationalistic or theological perspectives. The speakers emphasize that theopoetics allows for the exploration of the invisible, the voices that address us, the hopes, memories, and promises that go beyond the present reality. They advocate for viewing God as a poetic image, a vision of life that organizes around the notion of love. The speakers stress the importance of the creative imagination in embracing diverse visions of life and organizing a form of life that encompasses hope, memory, and the divine. They argue against reifying this realm of promise and memory, advocating for a more inclusive and open-minded perspective.
