Religion creates community and fosters compassion.
The mystical sense of life embraces the unknown and the profound.
Deep dives
The significance of death and the preciousness of life
Death is not a punishment, but a natural part of life. It is the passing of the torch and makes life precious. The moment of death defines life and gives it meaning and beauty. The urgency and value of life are illuminated by the existence of death. Without death, life would lack urgency and meaning. Death is not to be feared, but rather accepted as a part of the natural cycle. Elders have a crucial role in understanding and embracing death, as they have wisdom and perspective to share with the younger generations.
The role of religion and the importance of community
Religion serves as a focal point for matters of ultimate concern and creates a sense of community and fellowship. Religious communities help individuals connect with something larger than themselves and provide a space for compassion, service, and belonging. The essence of religion goes beyond doctrines and dogmas, focusing on the spirit of the community and the unconditional concerns that unite its members.
The mystical element and the depth of life
The mystical element is the quality of depth in life that goes beyond paranormal experiences. It is the recognition of the giftedness and mystery of existence. The mystical sense of life is found in the unconditional and unexplainable aspects of existence. It is the awareness of the profound and mysterious nature of life and the recognition of something rather than nothing.
Accepting the mystery and the unconditional
Religion, philosophy, and the arts seek to explore and understand the mystery and unconditional nature of existence. They attempt to capture the depth and significance of life and express it through different mediums. Embracing the mystery involves being open to the unknown and allowing oneself to be instructed by the experiences of life.
The age-old questions and the importance of asking why
The age-old questions about life, such as why things happen, the nature of God, and the purpose of existence, are essential to ponder. Asking why is a way to search for unconditional truths and meaning. The questions themselves reflect the depth of our existence and lead to wisdom. The exploration of these questions should be ongoing, accompanied by discussion, conversation, and a willingness to embrace the mysterious aspects of life.
John D. Caputo has a long career as one of the preeminent postmodern philosophers in America. The author of such books as Radical Hermeneutics, The Prayers and Tears of Jacques Derrida, and The Weakness of God, Caputo now reflects on his spiritual journey from a Catholic altar boy in 1950s Philadelphia to a philosopher after the death of God. Part spiritual autobiography, part homily on what he calls the “nihilism of grace,” Hoping Against Hope (Fortress Press, 2015) calls believers and nonbelievers alike to participate in the “praxis of the kingdom of God,” which Caputo says we must pursue “without why.”
Caputo’s conversation partners in this volume include Lyotard, Derrida, and Hegel, but also earlier versions of himself: Jackie, a young altar boy, and Brother Paul, a novice in a religious order. Caputo traces his own journey from faith through skepticism to hope, after the “death of God.” In the end, Caputo doesn’t want to do away with religion; he wants to redeem religion and to reinvent religion for a postmodern time.
