Words of Life: New Theological Turns in French Phenomenology (Perspectives in Continental Philosophy (Paperback Unnumbered)) [Paperback]

Bruce Ellis Benson (Editor), Norman Wirzba (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2010 | Series: Perspectives in Continental Philosophy (Paperback Unnumbered)

Words of Life is the sequel and companion to Phenomenology and the Theological Turn,edited by Dominique Janicaud, Jean-Francois Courtine, Jean-Louis Chrtien, Michel Henry, Jean-Luc Marion, and Paul Ricoeur. In that volume, Janicaud accuses Levinas, Henry, Marion, and Chrtien of veeringfrom phenomenological neutrality to a theologically inflected phenomenology. By contrast, the contributors to this collection interrogate whether phenomenology's proper starting point is agnostic or atheistic. Many hold the view that phenomenology after the theological turn may very well be true both to itself and to the phenomenological things themselves.In one way or another, all of these essays contend with the limits and expectations of phenomenology. As such, they are all concerned with what counts as properphenomenology and even the very structure of phenomenology. None of them, however, is limited to such questions. Indeed, the rich tapestry that they weave tells us much about human experience. Themes such as faith, hope, love, grace, the gift, the sacraments, the words of Christ, suffering, joy, life, the call, touch, listening, wounding, and humility are woven throughout the various meditations in this volume. The contributors use striking examples to illuminate the structure and limits of phenomenology and, in turn, phenomenology serves to clarify those very examples. Thus practice clarifies theory and theory clarifies practice, resulting in new theological turns and new life for phenomenology. The volume showcases the work of both senior and junior scholars, including Jean-Luc Marion, Jean-Yves Lacoste, Kevin Hart, Anthony J. Steinbock, Jeffrey Bloechl, Jeffrey L. Kosky, Clayton Crockett, Brian Treanor, and Christina Gschwandtner-as well as the editors themselves.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A solid and refreshing contribution to the growing literature in continental philosophy, this volume points scholars and students to the 'next wave' in phenomenology of religion.-James K.A. Smith

Cutting edge research in the area of phenomenology and theology.-Richard Kearney

About the Author

BRUCE ELLIS BENSON is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at Wheaton College, Illinois. Among the volumes he has co-edited is The Phenomenology of Prayer (Fordham).

NORMAN WIRZBA is Research Professor of Theology, Ecology, and Rural Life at Duke Divinity School. He is co-editor of The Phenomenology of Prayer (Fordham).

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Fordham University Press; 2 edition (February 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823230732
• ISBN-13: 978-0823230730
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #602,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A vital addition to any philosophy collection, April 17, 2010

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This review is from: Words of Life: New Theological Turns in French Phenomenology (Perspectives in Continental Philosophy (Paperback Unnumbered)) (Paperback)

The thoughts and mindsets of France have always had their impact around the world. "Words of Life: New Theological Turns in French Phenomenology" discusses the evolution of modern French philosophy, or its current form, phenomenology. Blending religious thought with the modern psyche, many scholars and contributors converge to provide an intellectual read that philosophy thinkers will be further enlightened and informed by to form their own ideas. "Words of Life" is a vital addition to any philosophy collection.