Jack Caputo, philosopher and keynote speaker, discusses the end of religion at the conference. Panelists Westphal, Robbins, and Simmons engage in a discussion. Topics include the impact of God's concept on religion, community, and theology, the deconstruction of religion and post-modernism, the play of differences and deconstructability, plasticity, form, and difference, the unconditional and its relation to acts and possibilities, exploring levels of religious belief and reinvention of ideas, the logic of the unconditional and reinvention of events, exploring dogma, conditionality, and the function of religion, understanding the difference and the need for discernment, postmodern saints and decision-making, and the God of philosophy vs. the God of the Scriptures.
Confessions and dogma are important for defining religious community identities, but there is a tension between their need and rigidity.
The concept of the unconditional challenges conventional forms and structures, opening up radical possibilities and risks.
The end of religion involves the interplay between confessional traditions and the call of the unconditional for growth and transformation.
Deconstruction destabilizes norms and practices, leading to positive or harmful outcomes and affecting various aspects of human activity.
Deep dives
The Role of Confessions and Dogma in Religion
Confessions and dogma play a crucial role in religious communities as they help shape collective identities and beliefs. Sociologically, confessions are essential for defining the identity of a religious community. While some religious traditions may claim to be non-confessional, they still have shared beliefs that form their creed. Confessions also provide a sense of continuity and help maintain the cohesion of a community. Theological discussions revolve around the legitimacy and warrant of confessions, questioning if they accurately represent the beliefs and values they claim to uphold. However, there is an ongoing tension between the need for confessions and the danger of becoming too rigid and closed off to new insights.
The Prominence and Potential of the Unconditional
The concept of the unconditional is a significant aspect of post-modern philosophy. It emphasizes the possibility of infinite transformation and challenges conventional forms and structures. The unconditional is not restricted to religious or philosophical contexts but permeates various spheres of human existence. It prompts responses, affirmations, and negotiations with unprogrammable elements. While it opens up the potential for radical new possibilities and justice-oriented practices, it also carries the inherent risk of facilitating evil and oppression. The embrace of the unconditional necessitates a delicate balance between conservation and promoting change, between stability and destabilization.
The End of Religion and the Interplay of the Conditional and Unconditional
The notion of the end of religion does not imply its disappearance, but rather encompasses the continual interplay between confessional traditions and the radical logic of the unconditional. Confessional traditions provide structure, shared practices, and beliefs that define the identity of religious communities. However, they can become calcified and rigid without the ongoing presence of the unconditional. The interweaving of the confessional and the proto-religion allows for the mutual influence and questioning of these two realms. The future of religion lies in maintaining a porous relationship between the two, allowing for growth, transformation, and openness to the call of the unconditional.
The Risks and Possibilities of Deconstruction
Deconstruction is not confined to positive or constructive outcomes, as it opens up possibilities for both good and evil. The process of deconstruction destabilizes constituted norms, beliefs, and practices, which can lead to positive transformations or harmful consequences. The unconditional underlies and affects various spheres of human activity, including art, ethics, politics, science, and religion. It challenges confessional positions, prompts responses, and fosters unique ways of engaging with the world. The evaluation of deconstruction should consider its potential risks and the manner in which it engages with foundational beliefs and structures.
The Distinction Between the God of Philosophers and the God of Scripture
In this podcast episode, the speakers discuss the distinction between the God of philosophers and the God of scripture. They highlight that the God of philosophers is often associated with ontotheology and concepts like causality, while the God of scripture is a personal, purposeful agent who enters into covenant and gives commands. They argue that postmodern philosophy of religion seeks to break away from the classical God of philosophers and to reorient towards the biblical God. They also explore the relationship between philosophy and theology, questioning whether radical theology should be considered theology or be identified as a form of critical theory of religion. They point out the challenges of addressing this distinction and the need for a linguistic and embodied framework in understanding God in a postmodern context.
Recommendations for Further Reading
The speakers provide several book recommendations for further reading. They suggest Meryl Westendorf's book 'The Community of Those Who Have Nothing in Common' for an introduction to postmodern hermeneutics and its theological implications. They also recommend Jack Caputo's book 'What Would Jesus Deconstruct?' for an exploration of a Doritian notion of God and justice. Alongside, they suggest Bruce Benson and Dan Stiver's book 'The New Phenomenology: A Philosophical Introduction' as an introduction to French phenomenology and its relationship to theology. They mention Jean-Luc Marion's books 'Reduction and Givenness' and 'The Saturated Phenomenon' as important texts exploring theology and phenomenology. Additionally, they mention Peter Rollins for a more accessible and conversational approach to deconstruction and Stephen Minister and Jeffrey Robbins' book 'Re-examining Deconstruction and Determinate Religion' for a more technical exploration of the debates within deconstructive philosophy of religion.
Closing Thoughts
The podcast episode offers a thought-provoking discussion on the distinction between the God of philosophers and the God of scripture. The speakers reflect on the complexities of philosophy and theology, calling for a reorientation towards the biblical God and a reevaluation of the relationship between reason and revelation. They also touch on the role of radical theology and the challenges of identifying with a tradition historically defined by authority appeals. The episode invites further exploration into postmodern hermeneutics, phenomenology, and critical theory of religion in order to deepen the understanding of these complex philosophical and theological discussions.
It is always good to hear from Jack Caputo. This is his keynote lecture from the End of Religion conference which HBC partnered with Villanova University to bring to your ear buds. After Jack drops some of his wisdom there is a panel featuring Westphal, Robbins, and Simmons. It is sure to prick your imagination.
Don’t forget that Captuo and I are both going to be at Subverting the Norm III November 5-7th in Springfield, MO. You can get a sweet sweet discount with the code HBCSTN. Then you can join us, Catherine Keller, Peter Rollins, and more.
Not only that but on November 4th there will be a one day event with Caputo and me – A Theology Nerd Bootcamp: When Philosophers Speak of God. We will be needing out throughout the day and finish it off with some beverages and relaxed covo. Sign-up HERE and reserve your spot.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
