Abstract

This chapter traces some main lines of Jacques Lacan’s interpretation of religion and divinity, which differs significantly from Freud’s critique. Orienting ourselves with respect to what Lacan calls das Ding, the enigmatic desire of the Other, it is possible to sketch a Lacanian analysis of religion parallel to that offered by Kant in Religion Within the Limits of Reason Alone. The difference is that where Kant looked to find in religious representations, especially those of Christianity, the underlying dynamics of pure rationality and of a morality founded upon it, Lacan discerns the very structure of subjectivity and its relation to the unknown Other. New perspectives are thereby opened up on a whole series of problems, including the unconscious dynamics of enjoyment, practices of sacrifice, the structural differences between various religions, and Christian doctrines of incarnation, love, and mystical unknowing.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.