Christianity's Elusive Style: Nietzsche and the Dilemma of Modernity

Abstract

AbstractThis paper attempts to elicit a certain sympathy for Nietzsche's view of Christianity by arguing that his critical attitude toward it must be considered more broadly within his quest to diagnose the illness pervading modern culture. Thus, while it has often been believed that Christianity contributes to the decline of modern culture, it is equally plausible that the institutions and language of modernity have become inadequate for the proper expression of the Christian message. The ostensibly “anti-Christian” sentiment in Nietzsche's thought, then, stems from an “anti-modern” stance, or, put more positively, from a vision that points ahead toward “post-modernity.” What becomes decisive for Christianity is not the formulation of any doctrine, but instead the implementation of a kind of “practice” or “style” that seeks as much an affirmation of life (even in view of life's suffering) as an escapist flight to the “other world.”In defending this thesis, this paper counters a simple association of Nietzsche with atheism that still remains prominent in some theological circles.