Abstract
Abstract Existentialism centres reflection upon the bodily existence of the human person. Generally, however, theological anthropology has struggled to manage developments in biological and psychological sciences that have made clear the pluriformity of human embodiment. The work of the social sciences has also increased the visibility of minority, disadvantaged, or neglected persons. Theological anthropology must begin to conceive of an inclusive, non-static understanding of human nature that fully acknowledges the integrity and the diverse identities of the human subject. To riposte, this article utilises the interplay between phenomenology and theology in the work of the contemporary philosopher-theologian Jean-Luc Marion. Marion undeniably sees the root of the human in the concrete free person; he recognises an ever-receding, indefinable horizon towards which the incomprehensible existence of the subjective phenomenon is universally oriented. In this article I focus on how a combination of the theology of the subject and its existential orientation, realised through the freedom of incomprehensibility à la Marion, may provide a dynamic basis for understanding human nature at a time when subjective diversity is ever more asserted.
Highlights
The work of Jean-Luc Marion engages with patristic and mystical theology, phenomenology, and modern philosophy, utilising an apophatic nuance to make an attempt to go beyond the boundaries of causal metaphysics as onto-theo-logically constituted
This article tries to tease out the implications of Marion’s focus on the indefinable subjectivity of the phenomenon for theological anthropology, as in late-modernity the discipline contends with an ever more diverse humanity. It highlights the idolisation of the object, the insufficiency of metaphysics as ontotheo-logy, the subjectivity of the icon, the irregardability of the saturated phenomenon, and the negative
This article does not attempt to settle these philosophical disputes, but to redeploy the resources uncovered in the process of Marion’s reading of Heidegger for the sake of underlying an alternative methodology for theological anthropology. It does so for the sake of theological anthropology, in a way that is fitting for the contemporary world in which human beings are evermore becoming aware of the diversities of their embodiment
Summary
The work of Jean-Luc Marion engages with patristic and mystical theology, phenomenology, and modern philosophy (including existentialism), utilising an apophatic nuance to make an attempt to go beyond the boundaries of causal metaphysics as onto-theo-logically constituted This apophatic ‘tinge’ is deeplyrooted in the Christian theological tradition, and he declares negative theology to be the first serious rival of metaphysics.[1] Marion acknowledges that many Christian theologians as early as the Patristic Era (e.g., Hilary of Poitiers) have recognised a certain indefinability of the Divine. This article does not attempt to settle these philosophical disputes, but to redeploy the resources uncovered in the process of Marion’s reading of Heidegger for the sake of underlying an alternative methodology for theological anthropology It does so for the sake of theological anthropology, in a way that is fitting for the contemporary world in which human beings are evermore becoming aware of the diversities of their embodiment. It highlights the idolisation of the object, the insufficiency of metaphysics as onto-theo-logy, the subjectivity of the icon, the irregardability of the saturated phenomenon, and the negative certainty of human personhood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
