Peter Rollins & Richard Boothby: Unknowing & Radical Christianity
Jan 29, 2023
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In this podcast, Peter Rollins and Richard Boothby discuss the posture of unknowing and a radical Lacanian interpretation of Christianity. They explore topics such as Rick's approach to religion and personal reflections on his son's suicide. Pete introduces his Lacanian approach to Christianity and they delve into the relationship between Jesus and Paul. The discussion also covers Hegel and the divided Absolute, the practice of a radical Lacanian Christianity through transformance art, and much more!
Embracing the unknown in Christianity can lead to new possibilities for love and understanding.
The death of God within Christianity is a recognition of the inherent lack and emptiness in existence, emphasizing the importance of embracing the unknown.
Suspending what we think we know and being open to new experiences and perspectives is crucial for true liberation and growth.
Hope as an existential posture embraces the unknown and welcomes new possibilities, experiences, and connections.
Deep dives
The Opening Towards Unknowing: Embracing the Mystery
The podcast explores the idea of embracing the unknown and how it relates to Christianity. It discusses the posture of unknowing as a radical approach to faith, hope, and love within a Lacanian interpretation of Christianity. The conversation delves into the transformative power of embracing what we don't know about ourselves and others, and how this can open up new possibilities for love and understanding. It challenges the traditional notion of filling in the void or finding absolute answers, emphasizing the importance of dwelling with the lack and embracing the mystery that comes with it. The podcast highlights the significance of suspending what we think we know in order to be receptive to new experiences and perspectives.
The Death of God and the Sacred in Lack
The podcast explores the concept of the death of God within Christianity. It presents the idea that the sacred is not an object to be loved, but a dimension encountered in the act of love itself. The death of God is seen as a recognition that lack and emptiness are inherent in all existence, and that the fulfillment of desire or the search for absolute answers cannot provide lasting satisfaction. Instead, the sacred is found in the acknowledgement of the unknown and the acceptance of the infinite depths of love and relationship. It challenges the confessional approach of satisfying the void and proposes a radical embrace of the lack as an opportunity for transformation and understanding.
The Dangers of Monetary Value and Knowing
The podcast discusses the dangers of equating value with monetary terms and the illusion of knowing in everyday life. It argues that money often gives us a false sense of confidence in our understanding of the world, as it reduces relationships and experiences to concrete transactions. The podcast suggests that true liberation comes from suspending what we think we know and opening ourselves to the unknown. It emphasizes the importance of being open to new lessons, experiences, and perspectives, rather than clinging to preconceived notions or the comfort of certainty.
The Radicalness of Hope as an Existential Posture
The podcast explores the concept of hope as an existential posture rather than a longing for specific outcomes. It challenges the idea that hope is about finding fulfillment or satisfying desires. Instead, hope is presented as a way of being that embraces the opening towards the unknown. It's a proactive and receptive stance that welcomes new possibilities, experiences, and connections. The podcast suggests that true hope resides in the willingness to suspend what we think we know and remain open to the transformative power of the unexpected.
The Importance of Unknowing and Openness
Unknowing and openness are important aspects of our relationship with others and life itself. By leaving open our judgment and being ready to be surprised, we can show respect and find what is lovable in others. Embracing the unknown is crucial as it generates new possibilities and keeps us from self-sabotaging to preserve our own dreams. Going into the unknown requires a willingness to face our own guilt and relinquish the need for absolute certainty. It is through this openness that we can discover the joyous and transformative nature of embracing the unknown.
Transforming Religious Practices
Institutional practices such as liturgy and communal gatherings can foster a posture of unknowing. By incorporating elements of art, music, storytelling, and comedy, religious gatherings can reflect the dividedness and lack that is inherent in human nature. For example, holding services where people can voice their grievances and experiences of feeling let down by God can create a sense of communion and shared understanding. This type of religious practice invites individuals to confront their own contradictions, sensitizes them to the suffering of others, and provides a space where collective healing and vulnerability can take place.
A Radical Christianity
A radical form of Christianity that embraces unknowing and dividedness is proposed. This form of Christianity moves beyond a master's discourse or a university discourse, where individuals are told what to do or given advice. Instead, it adopts an analyst's discourse that allows individuals to confront their own desires and contradictions through the symbol of Christ. This form of Christianity acknowledges that both the divine and humans are divided, creating a space for communion rather than just a community. By embracing the unknown and the lack inherent in our existence, a radical Christianity can offer a vulnerable and transformative spiritual path.
In this episode, I have a conversation with Peter Rollins & Richard Boothby. Pete is an author, philosopher, storyteller, producer and public speaker. Rick is a professor of philosophy. In this conversation, we explore the posture of unknowing. We also rethink the theological virtues of faith, hope and love from a radical, Lacanian interpretation of Christianity.
