Join Deacon Jeremy Fackenthal, Tripp Fuller, and blogger Stephen Keating as they delve into the intriguing intersections of Marxism and process theology. They explore 'inverse theology' and challenge traditional views on progress, advocating for a radical rethinking of socio-political systems. Topics include the societal impact of capitalism, the burdens of student debt in theological education, and the transformative nature of baptism. The conversation highlights the need for genuine community engagement amidst historical injustices, emphasizing love and inclusion as pathways to change.
Marxist materialism gains efficacy through theology, highlighting the necessity of an invigorating force to address human suffering.
Inverse theology reframes suffering as a critical lens for understanding oppression, urging a compassionate response rather than abstract theorizing.
The concept of weak messianic power emphasizes the importance of remembering marginalized histories for inspiring solidarity and fostering social change.
Deep dives
The Connection Between Marxism and Theology
Marxist materialism is depicted as a puppet that becomes effective only when supported by an invigorating force, represented here as theology. Walter Benjamin conceptualizes this dynamic through the analogy of a puppet controlled by a dwarf, where the absence of the dwarf suggests a lifeless materialism. This idea suggests that Marxism, while powerful in its critique of capitalism, requires a theological perspective to become truly effective. In this context, theology serves as a means to breathe vitality into materialist thought, highlighting the need for an engaged understanding of reality that acknowledges suffering and seeks transformation.
Inverse Theology and the Concept of Damaged Life
Inverse theology emerges as a critical framework that views the world as 'damaged life,' a term that reflects the suffering caused primarily by capitalism. This perspective, shared by thinkers such as Theodore Adorno and Benjamin, emphasizes the necessity to reinterpret theological concepts through the lens of human suffering. The aim is to take seriously the lived realities of oppression, rather than retreating into abstract notions of universal progress. By doing so, inverse theology invites a radical rethinking of how theology can respond to the complexities of contemporary life, emphasizing compassionate action over theoretical abstraction.
Critique of Progress Through Historical Reflection
Benjamin's insights concerning the concept of progress challenge the dominant narratives often associated with Western civilization's advancement. He evokes an image of the 'angel of history,' which conveys the idea that progress moves us back while we are propelled forward, trapped by the consequences of our past actions. This critique asserts that the belief in progress ignores the suffering piled upon the past, which can be seen as a direct critique of the capitalist logic that demands continuous advancement at the cost of marginalized lives. Therefore, the notion of progress needs to be reevaluated against the backdrop of historical injustices, highlighting the obligation to confront, remember, and learn from our shared past.
Weak Messianic Power and the Role of Memory
The concept of weak messianic power is fundamental in understanding how individuals can enact change in a world defined by suffering and injustice. This power arises not from grandiose visions of a utopian future but through the act of remembrance—specifically, remembering the neglected and marginalized aspects of history. By keeping the stories of suffering alive, individuals gain a critical lens that inspires both solidarity and action. This perspective encourages a recognition that redemption is inherently linked to the acknowledgement of the past and engaging with it to create a more just future.
The Challenge of Capitalism and Alternative Economic Structures
The discussion navigates the complexities of capitalism and the ways it shapes contemporary existence, including the pitfalls of consumer-driven solutions that often serve as band-aids to systemic issues. Rather than simply accepting market dictates, the conversation stresses the need for alternative economic models grounded in community and local decision-making. These models prioritize collaboration among those directly affected by economic decisions, fostering more equitable ways to relate and interact. Emphasizing the importance of grounded engagement with local communities, the dialogue suggests that genuine transformation requires dismantling the overarching influences of capitalism to create environments where equitable relationships can flourish.
In this special episode Deacon Jeremy Fackenthal & Tripp Fuller talk Marx and Whitehead at the 2012 Emergent Village Theological Conversation for 2012.
